Isomerisation of fumaronitrile and maleo-nitrile

摘要

A process for the isomerisation of fumaronitrile (I) comprises mixing (I), an inert solvent of formula R(CN)n (II) (R = a hydrocarbyl radical with a valency equal to n n = 1 or 2) and a base under conditions such that a prod. mixt. contg. (I) and no more than 50 mole % maleonitrile (III) is produced. - Pref. the solvent is propionitrile, butyronitrile, succinonitrile or acetonitrile. The base is pref. an alkali metal hydroxide, e.g. KOH. - Also claimed is a process for the isomerisation of (III) comprising mixing (III), (II) and a base under conditions such that a prod. mixt. contg. (III) and no more than 50 mole % (I) is produced.