Synthesis of novel maleonitrile derivatives

The synthesis of four novel maleonitrile derivatives are described. New maleonitriles have been prepared by the reaction of different alkylhalides such as 3-bromopropionitrile, 1,3-dichloroacetone, α,α′- dibromoxylene, and p-nitrobenzylbromide with dithiomaleonitrile disodium salt. All novel compounds have cis-cyano groups and are characterized by IR, NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis.