A simple and efficient method for the synthesis of 3-oxopropanenitriles from variously su
bstituted heterocyclic compounds
via direct electrophilic cyanoacetylation is descri
bed. A series of heterocyclic 3-oxopropanenitriles (
) have
been synthesized using mixed anhydride (acetic or trifluoroacetic anhydride:cyanoacetic acid) in the presence of Mg(ClO
b>4b>)
b>2b>·2H
b>2b>O as catalyst. This method can
be extended also for the cyanoacetylation of electron poor aromatic compounds.