The reaction of malononitrile dimer with 4-methyl-2,6-dichloronicotinonitrile

The reaction of 4-methyl-2,6-dichloronicotinonitrile with malononitrile dimer (2-amino-1,1,3-tricyanopropene) in the presence of triethylamine leads to regioselective nucleophilic substitution of the chlorine atom at position 6 and the formation of triethylammonium 2-amino-3-(4-methyl-6-chloro-5-cyanopyridin-2-yl)-1,1,3-tricyanoprop-2-en-1-ide. The structure of the product was confirmed by X-ray studies.