Abstract: The syntheses of aminomalononitrile and 4-amino-5-cyanoimidazole are described. Acid anhydrides react with aminomalononitrile to yield oxazoles. Aminomalononitrile is converted to diaminomaleonitrile by cyanide and to 4-amino-5- cyanoimidazole by formamidine. Adenine results from the reaction of 4-amino-5- cyanoimidazole with formamidine. 4-Cyano-5-aminooxazole is converted to 7- ...