The reaction of acrylic esters or acrylonitrile with guanidine has not previously been reported. We have found that, on addition of different alkyl acrylates to a DMF solution of free guanidine, a basic compound (1') separated in almost quantitative yield. No C= C double bond was detected by infrared analysis or by the reaction of potassium permanganate or bromine with 1'. Hydrolysiis of the compound with water gave the guanidinium salt 11', ...
