Abstract Synthesis of (±)-cibenzoline and its analogs has been achieved by a simple sequence of reactions. The diaryl cyanoolefin intermediate 3 could be prepared by Knoevenagel condensation of benzophenone with ethylcyanoacetate to form the tetra- substituted olefin intermediate 2 followed by Krapcho deethoxycarbonylation or from β- hydroxynitrile intermediate 2′ followed by the elimination of hydroxyl group respectively. ...