Organophosphorus chemistry 23 [1], the reaction of α,β-unsaturated nitriles with alkyl phosphites and phosphorus ylides

Wittig reagents 2 react with furfurylidenemalonitrile ( 1a ) and thienylidenemalonitrile ( 1b ) to give a mixture of products ( 6 and 7 ). Compound 1b reacts with di-alkyl phosphites ( 3 ) and trialkyl phosphites ( 4 ) to give the phosphonate 1:1 adducts 9 and 12 , respectively. Structures of the new products were confirmed on the basis of elemental analyses and spectral studies.