3‐(α‐Cyanoarylidene)phthalides and Related Compounds. Part I

Abstract The formation of 3‐(α‐cyanoarylidene)phthalides 1a–g, by interaction of benzyl cyanides with phthalic anhydrides was studied under various conditions. The by‐products, accompanying 3‐(α‐cyanobenzal)phthalide 1a, were identified as phthalimide, benzalphthalide 2 and 3‐(α‐carbamoylbenzal)phthalide 6.