An unexpected three-component condensation leading to amino- (3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindol-1-ylidene)- acetonitriles.

The reaction of 2-carboxybenzaldehyde with primary amines in the presence of cyanide leads to the formation of 2-substituted amino(3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindol-1-ylidene)acetonitriles. These compounds originate from the condensation of 2-carboxybenzaldehyde with the amine and two molecules of hydrogen cyanide and represent a novel class of isoindolinones.