Method of preparing .alpha.-hydroxymethylene nitriles

Abstract

A method for the preparation of a compound of the formula ##STR1## or salt thereof bearing one or more .alpha.-hydroxymethylene groups, wherein the univalent moiety R is hydrogen, a straight chain or branched alkyl group of 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a straight chain or branched moiety of the formula --(CH.sub.2).sub.n --COOR.sup.1, OR.sup.1, CF.sub.3, wherein n is from 0 to 5, a straight chain or branched moiety of the formula ##STR2## wherein each R.sup.1 independently represents an alkyl radical of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, or a univalent phenol moiety and n has the meaning above, a substituted or unsubstituted moiety of the formula ##STR3## wherein R.sup.2 is hydrogen, an alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a --(CH.sub.2).sub.n --COOR.sup.1, chlorine, bromine, --OR.sup.1, CF.sub.3, --(CH.sub.2).sub.n --CN, where n and R.sup.1 have the meanings given above, a ring system of the heterocyclic or isocyclic, monocyclic or polycyclic structure which comprises contacting a nitrile of the formula R--CH.sub.2 --CN II wherein R has the meaning given above with carbon monoxide in the presence of an alcoholate and a solvent. Thereafter, the so formed salt can be separated or, if desired, the same can be converted into the free form of the compound Ia or Ib by acidification. Also disclosed are new .alpha.-hydroxymethylene and nitriles as well as their corresponding salts.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.