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The first example of the synthesis of 4-oxobutane-1,1,2,2-tetracarbonitriles (OTCs) containing a phenolic moiety has been described. The synthesis is based on the reaction between tetracyanoethylene and 4-hydroxyphenyl-substituted ketones under mild conditions. Due to the presence of a phenolic hydroxyl group, these compounds are more functionalized derivatives of the well-known OTC substrates used for diversity-oriented synthesis (DOS). The preserved synthetic potential of the OTCs for the preparation of phenol-containing derivatives with enhanced capabilities for tuning optical properties has been shown using the targeted synthesis of 2-(2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-3 H -pyrrol-3-ylidene)malononitriles. Based on the obtained pyrroles and a model amine (pyrrolidine) a previously unknown type of thermosensitive three-position molecular switch is described. Reversible color changes of the dye are shown in both solution and on filter paper. The results reveal a new research branch of the OTC-based DOS strategy to access functionalized phenol-containing derivatives.

An efficient diastereoselective approach for the synthesis of functionalized 3,4-dihydro-2 H -pyran-4-carboxamides with variable frame was developed based on the reaction of available 4-oxoalkane-1,1,2,2-tetracarbonitriles (adducts of TCNE and ketones) with aldehydes in an acidic media. An unusual process of quasi hydrolysis of the cyano group was observed in the course of the described regio- and diastereoselective transformation.