Abstract A simple and convenient method for the synthesis of 1, 4-diazabutadienes (= N, N′- ethane-1, 2-diylidenebis [amines]) by grinding glyoxal (= ethanedial) or an α-diketone and anilines (= benzenamines) in the presence of TsOH in a mortar with a pestle is described. By this way, 1, 4-diazabutadienes were obtained in good to excellent yields.
![N,N'-bis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethane-1,2-diimine Structure](https://image.chemsrc.com/caspic/073/497841-81-3.png)