Alkylations of 2, 3, 3-triphenylpropionitIile (I) through its monocarbanion to form the corresponding a-derivatives were effected with such diverse halides as n-butyl and benshydryl halides in liquid ammonia. Alkylation of I through its dicarbanion to afford the p- derivative was realized with the butyl halide but not with the benzhydryl halide. The reaction with the latter halide gave mainly 2, 3, 3-triphenylacrylonitrile and tetraphenylethane. A ...
