Synthesis and characterization of fluorescent 4,6-disubstituted-3-cyano-2-methylpyridines

Abstract

4,6-Disubstituted-3-cyano-2-methylpyridines, easily prepared by treating α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds with β-aminocrotononitrile in the presence of potassium tert-butoxide, have been found to show intense fluorescence in the region of 400–552 nm. 3-Cyano-4,6-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)- and 3-cyano-4,6-di(2-furyl)-2-methylpyridines show more intense fluorescence than 7-diethylamino-4-methylcoumarin. The 3-cyano group of pyridines increases the fluorescence intensities and improves photostabilities.