N,N'-bis(2-methylphenyl)propanediamide

Conditions: temp:170.01; pressure:0.00; stir:; See reaction.notes.procedure_details.

Procedure: 329 mmol o-toluidine and 165 mmol diethyl malonate were put together and stirred overnight at 170° C. The formed ethanol was distilled off directly on a stream of nitrogen. N1,N3-di(2-methylphenyl)malonamide was formed as one solid block. The reaction was cooled and EtOAc was added. The product had to be crushed with a mortar, because it resembled very hard brick. The crushed material was stirred in EtOAc and filtered. EtOAc added was added twice and the mixture was stirred and filtered each time. 38.1 g N1,N3-di(2-methylphenyl) malonamide (yield 82%) was obtained. The formed ethanol was distilled off directly on a stream of nitrogen