Process for the preparation of an acetonitrile derivative

Process for the preparation of di-n-propylacetonitrile of the formula:

• ##STR5## whereby, (a) sodium n-propylate in n-propanol medium is added to a reaction medium which is formed of a cyanacetate of general formula:
• ##STR6## in which R represents an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and n-propyl bromide or iodide, the alkylation reaction taking place under reflux at atmospheric pressure, (b) the crude ester obtained is saponified at a temperature between 30.degree. and 70.degree. C. with a 10 to 20% by weight solution of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide in the proportion of 1.25 to 2 mols of sodium or potassium hydroxide per mol of crude ester, the resulting salt is acidified with a strong acid at a temperature not exceeding 40.degree. C., to give crude di-n-propyl cyanacetic acid, (c) which is decarboxylated solely by heating, in the absence of any supplementary agent, at a temperature between 140.degree. C. and 190.degree. C., so as to obtain the di-n-propylacetonitrile.