Aza-Baylis–Hillman reactions of diisopropyl azodicarboxylate or diethyl azodicarboxylate with acrylates and acrylonitrile

It has been found that in the Baylis–Hillman reactions of DIAD or DEAD with acrylates or acrylonitrile, the Lewis base and solvent can significantly affect the reaction rate. Using DABCO as Lewis base in DMF or THF, the corresponding aza-Baylis–Hillman adducts or can be obtained in moderate to good yields.