Reaction of phenylalkanenitriles and diphenylacetonitrile with aromatic nitro compounds were studied using various base-solvent systems. Four independent types of reaction: substitution of halogen, substitution of nitro group, substitution of hydride anion and electron transfer were observed. Relationship—reaction pathway—conditions have been discussed.
![[4-(4-chlorobenzoyl)phenyl]-[4-(4-chlorobenzoyl)phenyl]imino-oxido-azanium Structure](https://image.chemsrc.com/caspic/407/7501-61-3.png)
![{4-[(Diphenylmethylene)(oxido)-λ5-azanyl]phenyl}(diphenyl)acetonitrile Structure](https://image.chemsrc.com/caspic/443/32904-57-7.png)