Oxidative Dimerization of (Thiazol-2-yl)acetonitriles with Molecular Iodine: Synthesis and Structure of 2,3-Bis(4-aryl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)but-2-enedinitriles

Abstract

Iodination of 2-(4-arylthiazole-2-yl)acetonitriles in DMF proceeds with the formation of previously undescribed 2,3-bis(4-aryl-1,3-thiazole-2-yl)but-2-enedicarbonitriles as a mixture of E- and Z-isomers. The latter were alternatively prepared by the reaction of cyanothioacetamide, α-bromoketones and iodine in DMF. Structure of the key compounds was proven by means of single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.