| abstract |
Process for the preparation of di-n-propyl acetonitrile of the formula: ##STR1## whereby, in a single step, sodium n-propylate in n-propanol medium is added to a reaction medium which is formed of a cyanacetate of general formula: ##STR2## 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, the crude ester obtained is saponified with a 10 to 20% solution of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, the resulting salt is acidified with a strong acid, to give crude di-n-propyl cyanacetic acid, which is decarboxylated by heating at a temperature between 140° C. and 190° C., so as to obtain the di-n-propyl acetonitrile. |