This compound has been obtained by two different ways: 1) The reaction of dipropylcarbinol (I) with HBr gives 4-bromoheptane (II), which is treated with KCN to yield 2-propylpentanenitrile (III). Finally, this compound is hydrolyzed to the target compound with NaOH or with H2SO4. 2) The condensation of cyanacetic acid ethyl ester (IV) with propyl bromide (V) by means of sodium propoxide in propanol gives crude dipropylcyanaacetic acid ethyl ester, which, without isolation, is hydrolyzed with NaOH in hot water yielding dipropylcyanacetic acid (VI). The decarboxylation of (VI) at 140-190 C affords the previously reported 2-propylpentanenitrile (III).
By reaction of valproic acid (I) with NaOH in water - acetonitrile (II).