Homogeneous and Stereoselective Copper(II)-Catalyzed Monohydration of Methylenemalononitriles to 2‑Cyanoacrylamides

A facile and efficient route for
the homogeneous and highly stereoselective
monohydration of substituted methylenemalononitriles to (E)-2-cyanoacrylamides catalyzed by copper­(II) acetate monohydrate
in acetic acid containing 2% water is described, and a mechanism is
proposed. The protocol has proved to be suitable for the monohydration
of dicyanobenzenes and 2-substituted malononitriles.