Process for poducing beta-oxonitrile compound or alkali metal salt thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for preparing a β-oxonitrile compound or an alkali metal salt thereof which comprises reacting a carboxylic ester represented by the formula (1): R1CO2R2  (1) wherein R1 and R2 each represent a group which does not participate in a reaction, provided that R2 excludes a hydrogen atom, with a nitrile compound represented by the formula (2): R3CH2CN  (2) wherein R3 represents an alkyl group, and a base at 145 to 300° C. in a sealed vessel to obtain an alkali metal salt of a P-oxonitrile compound represented by the formula (3): 1 wherein R1 and R3 have the same meanings as defined above, and neutralizing the same with an acid, if necessary.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.