Title of Invention

PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF 4-HALOALKYLNICOTINONITRILES

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a compound having the formula (I): wherein R<SUP>F</SUP> is (C<SUB>1</SUB> -C<SUB>4</SUB>)-haloalkyl, said process comprising: (a) reacting a 3-amino-l-haloalkyl-2-propen-l-one having the formula (II): R<SUP>F</SUP>—C(0)—CH=CH—NH<SUB>2</SUB> (II) wherein R<SUP>F</SUP> is defined as above, in a condensation reaction with at least one compound having a formula selected from the group consisting of (III), (IV), (V), (VI) and (VII): (R<SUP>1</SUP> Z)CH=CH—CN (III) (R<SUP>1</SUP> Z)2CH—CH<SUB>2</SUB>—CN (IV) Hal-CH=CH—CN (V) Hal<SUB>2</SUB>CH—CH<SUB>2</SUB>CN (VI) HC=C-CN (YII) wherein R<SUP>1</SUP> is alkyl, Hal is C1 or Br and each Z is, independently, O, S, NR<SUP>1</SUP> or OCO, to afford at least one compound having a formula selected from the group consisting of (VIII), (IX) and (X): R<SUP>F</SUP> ' —C(0)—CH=CH—NH—CH=CH—CN (VIII) R<SUP>F</SUP> —C(0)—CH=CH—NH—CH(ZR<SUP>1</SUP> )—CH<SUB>2</SUB>—CN (IX) R<SUP>F</SUP> —C(0)—CH=CH—NH—CH(Hal)—CH<SUB>2</SUB>—CN (X) wherein R<SUP>F</SUP> ,R<SUP>1</SUP> , Zand Hal are as defined above; and (b) subjecting the reaction product of step (a) to a ring closure reaction to afford the corresponding compound having the formula (I).

Full Text

Process for the preparation of 4-haloalkylnicotinonitriles The invention relates to a process for the preparation of 4-haloalkyl-3-pyridine-carbonitriles (4-haloalkylnicotinonitriles) and their further reaction to give 4-haloalkyl-nicotinic acid derivatives having insecticidal activity. 4-Haloalkylnicotinamides are useful starting substances for the preparation of pesticides, such as are described, for example, in WO-A 98/57 969, EP-A 0 580 374 and DE-A10014 006. These compounds can be prepared in the two stages from 4-haloalkylnicotinic acids, whose synthesis is described, for example, in EP-A 0 744 400. A simple process has surprisingly now been found for the preparation of 4-haloalkyl¬nicotinonitriles (I), from which 4-haloalkylnicotinic acids can be obtained in one step by hydrolysis. The invention therefore relates to a process for the preparation of 4-haloalkylnicotJno-nitrile (I), Hal-CH=CH-CN (V) Hal2CH-CH2CN (VI) HC=C-CN (VII), where R1 is alkyl, Hal is F, CI, Br or I and Z, which is identical or different, is 0, S, NR1orOCO. to give a compound of the formula (VIII), (IX) and/or (X), RF-C(0)-CH=CH-NH-CH=CH-CN (VIII) RF-C(0)-CH=CH-NH-CH(ZRVCH2-CN (IX) RF-C(0)-CH=CH-NH-CH(Hal)-CH2-CN (X), where RF R1, Z and Ha! have the meanings indicated above, and the reaction product b) is subjected to a ring closure reaction. Preferably, the symbols in the formulae (I) - (X) have the following meaning: RF is preferably CH2F, CFCI2, CF2CI, CF3 or C2F5, particularly preferably CF3. R1 is preferably (CrC4)-alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, i-butyl, t-butyl, particularly preferably methyl or ethyl, very particularly preferably methyl. Z is preferably O or NR\ Hal is preferably F or CI. The invention also relates to the use of 4-haloalkylnicotinonitriles as intermediates for the preparation of plant protection agents, in particular pesticides, such as insecticides. The invention furthermore relates to a process for the preparation of 4-haloalkyl-nicotinamides (XI), obtained according to the above process is hydrolyzed. A particular economic advantage connpared with the known synthesis from the acid lies in the fact that by the process according to the invention no activated acid derivative, such as, for example, an acid chloride, is necessary and no reaction with ammonia has to be carried out. The invention furthermore relates to compounds of the formulae (VIII), (IX) and (X) and their salts, where RF, Z and Hal have the meanings indicated above and R^ is an alky! group. The formulae (VIII), (XI) and (X) in this case include all stereoisomers of the compounds, such as (Z) and (E) isomers on the double bonds, e.g. the (Z,Z), (Z,E), (E,Z) and (E,E) isomers of the compound (VIII) and in each case the (Z) and (E) isomers of the compounds (IX) and (X). R2 is preferably a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, for example methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl ortert-butyl; methyl and ethyl are preferred, methyl is particularly preferred. The invention likewise relates to the use of compounds of the formula (VIII), (IX) and/or (X) as intermediates for the preparation of plant protection agents, in particular pesticides, such as insecticides. 4-Amino-1,1,1-trifluoro-3-buten-2-one (II), as a preferred starting material, is known and can be prepared, for example, as described in EP-A 0 744 400, by reacting an acid halide of the formula (XII), CF3-COX (XII) in which X is a halogen atom, with a compound of the formula (XIII) CH2=CH0R3 (XIII) in which R^ is an alkyl group, to give a compound of the formula (XIV), RF-C(0)-CH=CH(OR) (XIV) from which, by reaction with ammonia, compound (II) is obtained. Compounds of the formulae (III) to (VII) are known. They are commercially obtainable or can be prepared by known methods familiar to the person skilled in the art, such as are described, for example, in J. Chem. Soc; 1969, 406-408; Bull. Soc. Chim. Fr. 1948, 594 and J. Org. Chem; 29, 1964, 1800-1808. R3 is preferably a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6, preferably 1 to 4, carbon atoms, for example methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl ortert-butyl; methyl and ethyl are preferred, methyl is particularly preferred. According to the invention, compound (II) is reacted in a condensation reaction with one or more compounds of the formulae (III) and (VII) to give compound (VIII), (IX) and/or (X). The condensation of compound (II) with one or more compounds (III) to (VII) and the subsequent ring closure reaction are shown in the following scheme: The condensation of (II) with (III) - (VII) is preferably carried out under reduced pressure (particularly preferably at a pressure in the range from 5-150 mbar, very particularly preferably 10-100 mbar). At the same time, the preferably low-boiling components are distilled off from the reaction mixture and in this process make possible complete reaction of both starting materials. The vacuum is advantageously selected such that the boiling point of the eliminated compound R1ZH, such as CH3OH, EtOH, BuOH, is below, preferably 50 to 10°C, below the reaction temperature, and the boiling point of the solvent is above, preferably 50 to 150°C above, the reaction temperature. As the same time, the formation of by-products is largely suppressed, and the reaction rate increases. The ratio of the two components (II) and (III) to (VII) in the reactions can vary to a large extent, depending on the compound employed and further reaction conditions. Customarily, the molar ratio of the components (II): (III) to (VII) is 1.0-1,2:1, preferably 1.02-1.06:1. Depending on the compound employed, the reaction temperature and the other reaction conditions can be varied within wide limits. In general, the reaction temperature is in the range from -20X - +100°C, preferably 0°C - + 30°C and the reaction time is customarily 0.5 to 12 h, preferably from 1 to 6 h. The reaction conditions also vary, depending on which compound of the formula (III) to (Vil) is employed. Reaction with compounds of the formula (III)/(V): The reaction temperature is preferably from -10 to +75 °C. For efficient conversion, the reaction is expediently carried out in the presence of a base. Suitable bases are, for example, alkali metal hydrides, such as NaH or KH, alkyllithium compounds, such as n-butyllithium, or t-butyllithium, alkali metals, such as sodium or potassium, alkali metal hydroxides, wie NaOH or KOH, alkoxides, wie Na methoxide, Na ethoxide, K methoxide or K t-butoxide, or basic heterocycles, such as pyridine or quinoline. Alkali metal hydrides are preferred, NaH and K t-butoxide are particularly preferred. The bases can be employed individually or as a mixture. The amount of the base employed can vary within wide limits, depending on what is employed as a compound of the formula (III) or (V), whether and in which solvent the reaction is carried out and the further reaction conditions. In general, 1.0 to 1.2 equivalents of base, preferably 1.05 to 1.1 equivalents by weight of base, are employed per mole of compound of the formula (II). The reaction is preferably carried out in a solvent. In this process, the components (II) can be introduced into the solvent and these solutions reacted with (III) or (V) together with base. Preferred solvents are polar aprotic solvents, such as N,N-climethylformamide or acetonitrile, halogenated hydrocarbons, such as methylene chloride or chloroform, ethers such as diethyl ether, dimethoxyethane or tetrahydrofuran, alcohols, such as methanol or ethanol, or basic heterocycles, such as pyridine or quinoline. Polar aprotic solvents are preferred; N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethoxyethane (DME) are particularly preferred. Mixtures of the solvents mentioned can also be employed. The amount of the solvent employed can very within wide limits and depends, for example, on whether and which base is added. In general, the amount of the solvent used is 1 to 30, preferably 4 to 15, parts by weight per part by weight of the compound (III) or (V). The preparation of compounds of the formula (VIII) by reaction of the compound of the formula (II) with a compound of the formulae (IV), (VI) and/or (VII) is carried out in two stages, the compound of the formula (IX) or (X) firstly being formed with elimination of alcohol or elimination of H-Hal and then in a second stage a further alcohol molecule or H-Hal molecule being eliminated, which leads to the compound of the formula (VIII). In all reactions, instead of the pure compounds the salts can also be employed or obtained, depending on the reaction procedure. By way of example, the reaction below with compound (IV) as a second component is illustrated: In order to obtain the compounds of the formula (IX) and/or (X) in pure form, the condensation reaction is preferably carried out at low temperatures, preferably from -10 to 0 °C, the reaction time is then the preferably 0.2 to 4 h. For the further reactions to give compounds of the formula (VIII), the reaction must be carried out at higher temperatures, preferably 20 to +25°C, the reaction time for this second stage preferably being 3 to 10 h. For a given reaction, the person skilled in the art can select suitable reaction conditions in a simple manner, it being possible to combine the general and preferred ranges indicated as desired. If the condensation reaction is carried out in the presence of a base which contains an alkali metal, the compounds (VIII), (IX) and/or (X) form alkali metal salts which, under certain circumstances, can be present in the reaction product. In such cases, a neutralization step is added to the condensation reaction, the reaction product being treated, for example, with a mineral acid, such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid. Working-up takes place by methods which are known and familiar to the person skilled in the art, such as extraction by shaking, washing and drying. The compound (VIII) has the following tautomers and isomerizes rapidly, in particular in the dissolved state: The formulae (VIII), (IX) and (X) include all these tautomers and salts of the compounds. The ring closure reaction of the compounds (VIII), (XI) and/or (X) to give the compound (I) is advantageously carried out in a solvent. Alcohols are preferred, particularly preferably primary (C1-C6)-alcohols; methanol and ethanol, in particular methanol, are very particularly preferred. Mixtures of the solvents mentioned can also be employed. The compounds (VIII), (IX) and/or (X) can in this case be introduced into the solvent, or the solvent is added to the reaction mixture. The amount of the solvent employed for the ring closure reaction can vary within wide limits, depending on the starting compound and reaction conditions. In general, it is 1 to 30, preferably 4 to 15, parts by weight per part by weight of compound (VIII) or (IX) and/or (X). The ring closure reaction of the compounds (VIII), (IX) and/or (X) is advantageously carried out in an alcohol as solvent and in the presence of a preferably weak base to give the intermediates (XV), (XVI) and/or (XVII). On subsequent acidification, compound (I) is formed: Suitable bases are, for example, alkali metal carbonates, hydrogencarbonates and acetates, such as the corresponding Li, Na, K and Cs salts, alkaline earth metal carbonates and hydrogencarbonates, such as the corresponding Mg and Ca salts, alkali metal hydrides, such as NaH and KH, alkyllithium compounds, such as n-butyl-lithium, alkali metals, such as Na and K, alkali metal hydroxides, such as NaOH and KOH, alkali metal alkoxides, such as NaOMe, NaOEt, KOMe and KOtBu, basic heterocycles, such as pyridine, 4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine and quinoline, or ammonia. Alkali metal and alkaline earth metal carbonates, hydrogencarbonates and acetates, such as Li2C03, Na2C03, NaHCOa, K2CO3, CaCOs and MgCOs. are preferred. Li2C03, Na2C03 and K2CO3 are particularly preferred, Li2C03 and K2CO3 are very particularly preferred. By means of the two last-mentioned bases, it is possible in particular to increase the selectivity of the reaction in the direction of the desired final product (I). The bases can be employed individually or as a mixture. In general, 0.05 to 1 equivalent, preferably 0.1 to 0.8 equivalent, of base are employed per mole of compound of the formula (VIII), (IX) and/or (X). The base can optionally be filtered off after the reaction and employed again. The activity and selectivity of the base can be controlled by phase-transfer catalysts (PTCs). Suitable PTCs are typically crown ethers, cryptands, quaternary ammonium, phosphonium and onium compounds. Examples which may be mentioned are 12-crown-4,15-crown-5,18-crown-6, dibenzo-18-crown-6, dicyclohexyl-18-crown-6, tetrabutylammonium chloride and bromide, tetrabutylphosphonium chloride and bromide. 18-Crown-6 is preferred. The PTC is customarily employed in an amount from 1 to 10, preferably 1 to 5 mol%, based on the compound (VIII), (IX) and/or (X). The intermediates of the formula (XV) and (XVI) and/or (XVII) can be isolated according to customary methods known to the person skilled in the art, for example by removing the solvent and washing the residue. The invention likewise relates to these compounds. It is preferred, however, to react to the intermediates of the formula (XII), (XV) and/or (XVII) by treating with acid to give compound (I) without prior isolation. Strong acids are preferred here, such as aqueous or gaseous HCI, HBr, H2SO4 and CF3COOH. The pH of the reaction mixture is in general adjusted to 1 to 2, which is customarily achieved by use of 0.1 to 1 equivalent of acid, based on the theoretical amount of compound (I). The hydrolysis of the nitrile (I) to give the acid amide (XI) can be carried out according to methods which are known and familiar to the person skilled in the art, such as are described, for example, in Houben Weyl, Methoden der organischen Chemie [Methods of Organic Chemistry]. In a further, preferred variant of the process according to invention, the synthesis of the compounds (I) and (XI) is carried out in a one-pot reaction, i.e. without intermediates of the formula (VIII) to (X) and/or (XII) being isolated. The compounds (I) and (XI) are used, for example, as intermediates in the preparation of plant protection agents, in particular pesticides, such as insecticides. In particular, they are suitable for further reaction to give compounds such as are described in WO-A 98/57969, EP-A 0 580 374 and DE 100 14 006.8. In these documents, reference is hereby expressly made in particular to the compounds of the respective formula (I) and the working examples; they are regarded by citation as part of this description. The invention also relates to the process for the preparation of 4-trifluoromethylnicotinic acid derivatives having insecticidal activity according to WO-A 98/57969, EP-A 0 580 374 and/or DE 100 14 006.8, 4-trifluoromethylnicotinonitrile being prepared as described above, optionally hydrolyzed and additionally reacted further in the processes described in the cited documents to give the final compounds of the respective formula (I) having insecticidal activity. The invention also provides a process for preparing compounds of the formula (XVIII) in which an amide (XI) obtained according to the invention is reacted with a halogenating agent to give (XIX), if appropriate as a salt, which, by reaction with R4R5S/base and, if appropriate, subsequent oxidation, gives the compounds (XVIII), or R4 and R5 together with the sulfur to which they are attached form a three- to eight-membered saturated or unsaturated, preferably carbocyclic ring system which is unsubstituted or mono- or polysubstituted, preferably by radicals R8, and which may contain 1 to 4 further heteroatoms, it being possible for two or more of the substituents to form one or more further ring systems; W is O or S; R6 are identical or different (C1-C2o)-alkyl, (C2-C2o)-alkenyl, C2-C2o)-alkynyl, (C3-C8)-cycloalkyl, (C4-C8)-cycloalkenyl, (C8-Cio)-cycloaikynyl, aryl or heterocyciyi; where the radicals mentioned may be unsubstituted or mono- or polysubstituted, preferably by radicals R8; R^ are identical or different H or R6. obtained by hydrolysis of (I) prepared according to the invention, if appropriate in the form of an activated derivative, for example the acid chloride, with unsubstituted or substituted compounds (XXIII) or (XXIV) obtained according to the invention, followed by reaction with HNR6R7. Reference is expressly made to the contents of the German patent applications 100 61 967.3,101 20 819.7 and 101 44 411.7, whose priority the present application claims, and the attached abstract; it is regarded by citation as part of this description. The invention is further explained by the following examples, without being restricted thereby. Example 1 Isomer mixture of 3-(4,4,4-trifluoro-3-oxo-1-butenyl)-2-propenenitrile In a three-necked flask, 61.6 g (0.55 mol) of potassium tert-butoxide were introduced into 250 ml of dimethoxyethane under N2 and the solution was cooled to 0°C. 4-Amino-1,1,1-trifluoro-3-buten-2-one, 69.5 g (0.5 mol), was added dropwise at this temperature in the course of 30 min and then 60.3 g (0.525 mol) of 3,3-dimethoxypropionitrile were added dropwise. The mixture was then stirred at 30°C for 3-4 h. The reaction mixture was added to ice and acidified to pH 3-4 using HCi. The precipitate was filtered off and washed with water. 71 g of product (75 %), mp: 123-126°C. ^^F NMR 5: -77.6 (4 singlets) ppm. Example 2 4-Trifluoromethyl-3-pyridinecarbonitrile In a three-necked flask, 19 g (0.1 mol) of 3-(4,4,4-trifluorO"3-oxo-1-butenyl)-2-propenenitrile were dissolved in 200 ml of methanol and 1 g of Li2C03 was added. The reaction mixture was heated under reflux for 4 - 6 h, cooled to 30°C and 10 ml of aqueous HCI were added. The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 h, the methanol was removed in vacuo and the product was extracted with diethyl ether. The solvent was removed and 4-trifluoronicotinonitrile was purified by vacuum distillation. 14 g (81 %) of the product of bp 80 °C/18 mbar were obtained. NMR1H(CDCl3)5:8.87(s, 1H), 8.81 (d, 1H, 3J(H.H)=5 Hz), 7.51 (d,1H)ppm. NMR 19F 5 : - 64.5 (s, CF3) ppm. Example 3 4-Trifluoromethyl-3-pyridinecarbonitrile The reaction was carried out as described in Example 2, but instead of Li2C031 g of K2CO3 was taken. Yield 75%. Example 4 4-Trifluoromethyl-3-pyridinecarbonitrile The reaction was carried out as described in Example 2, but instead of Li2C031 g of sodium acetate was taken. Yield 64 %. Example 5 4-Hydroxy-6-methoxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-3-pyridinecarbonitrile In a three-necked flask, 1.9 g (0.01 mol) of 3-(4,4,4-trifluoro-3-oxo-1-butenyl)-2-propenenitrile were dissolved in 20 ml of methanol under N2 and 0.2g of NaOMe were added. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 10-14 h and the methanol was then largely removed in vacuo. 50 ml of dry diethyl ether were added. The product was purified by recrystallisation from ethyl acetate. 1.5 g of product were obtained as a white solid. M.p. 121-123°C. 1H NMR (CD30D) (ABX spin system) 1.72 dd (HA), 1.91 dd (He), 3.22 (s,3H), 4.52 dd(1H), 6.88 (s,1H) ppm. The product reacted with HCI at RT to give 4-trifluoromethyl-3-pyridinecarbonitrile Yield 95%. Example 6 Isomer mixture of 3-methoxy-3-(Z and E)-4,4,4-trifluoro-3-oxo-1-butenyl)propionitrile In a three-necked flask, 61.6 g (0.55 mol) of potassium tert-butoxide were introduced into 250 ml dimethoxyethane under N2 and the solution was cooled to O°C. 4-Amino-1,1,1-trifluoro-3-buten-2-one, 69.5 g (0.5 mol), was added dropwise at this temperature in the course of 30 min, and 43.5 g (0.525 mol) of 3-methoxypropionitrile were then added dropwise. The mixture was then stirred at 5-10°C for 3-4 h. The reaction mixture was added to ice and acidified to pH 3-4 using HCI. The product was extracted with diethyl ether, dried and the solvent was removed in vacuo. 81 g were obtained (74%), oil. 19F NMR 6: -77.5 (s); 77.6 (s) ppm. Example 7 Isomer mixture of 3-(4,4,4-trifluoro-3-oxo-1-butenylamino)acrylonitrile In a 1 I four-necked flask having a thermometer, KPG stirrer, dropping funnel with bubble counter, descending condenser with cooled (-10°C) receiver and vacuum connection, 117 g of potassium tert-butoxide were introduced into 700 ml of DMF under N2 and the solution was cooled to 0°C. 142 g of 4-amino-1,1,1-trifluoro-3-buten-2-one were added dropwise at this temperature in the course of 30 min. After addition was complete, 117 g of 3,3-dimethoxypropiononitrile were added dropwise at this temperature. The dropping funnel was removed, and the pressure in the system was slowly reduced to 20-25 mbar. The mixture was then heated at 30-35°C for 3-5 h and stirred under a vacuum of 20-25 mbar, the low-boiling products (methanol, tert-butanol) simultaneously being removed in vacuo and condensed in the receiver. The reaction mixture was added to 1000 g of ice with 40 ml of HCI (d 1.19) at 0-10°C and, if necessary, adjusted to pH 2-3 using HCI. After 1 h, the precipitate was filtered off, washed with ice water and the product was dried. 175 g (92 %) of 3-(4,4,4-trifluoro-3-0X0-1-butenyl)acrylonitrile were obtained as an isomer mixture of 4 stereoisomers. M. p.: 120-126^0. Purity 99% Example 8 (comparative example) Isomer mixture of 3-(4,4,4-trifluoro-3-oxo-1-butenylamino)acrylonitrile The reaction was carried out as described in Example 1, but at normal pressure. Yield 71%. Purity 93%. Example 9 3.(4,4,4-Trifluoro-3-oxo-1-butenylamino)acrylonitrile The reaction was carried out as described in Example 1, but NaOMe was taken as the base. Yield 86%. Example 10 Isomer mixture of 3-(4,4,4-trifluoro-3-oxo-1-buteny!amino)acrylonitrile The reaction was carried out as described in Example 1, but NaOtBut was taken as the base. Yield 89%. Example 11 4-Trifluoromethylnicotinonitrile In a three-necked flask, 19 g (0.1 mo!) of 3-(4,4,4-trifluoro-3-oxo-1-butenyl)acrylonitrile were dissolved in 200 ml of a methanol and 0.5 g of Li2CO3 was added. The reaction mixture was heated under reflux for 10 h. Methanol was removed in vacuo and 30 ml of HCI were added. After 1 h, the product was extracted, the solvent was removed and 4-trifluoromethyinicotinonitrile was purified by vacuum distillation. 14.5 g (84 %) of the product of b.p. 80°C/18 mbar were obtained. NMR 1H (CDCI3) 5 : 9.35 (s), 8.0 (d, 1H, ^J(H.H)=5 HZ), 7.8 (d.lH. =CH), 3.8 (s, 2H); 2.2 (s, 3H) ppm. NMR19F 5 : - 64.5 (s, CF3) ppm. Example 12 Preparation of 3-(4,4,4-trifluoro-3-oxo-1 -butenylamino)acrylonitrile Tubular reactor: 60 cm glass tube of internal diameter 4 cm, having a heatable jacket, half-filled with glass balls, cooled receiver and vacuum connection with cold trap. Preparation of reaction mixture. N-Methylpyrrolidinone (NMP) (800 ml) was cooled to 0°C and 69.5 g of 4,4,4-trifluoro- 1-aminobut-2-en-3-one, 92 g of 30 % NaOMe in methanol and 60 g of 3,3- dimethoxypropionitrile were slowly added successively at this temperature. This mixture was transferred to the receiver. Reaction procedure The tubular reactor was fully filled with NMP, the jacket was heated to 80-85'C and a vacuum of 30-35 mbar was applied. The reaction mixture was added uniformly to the tubular reactor from the receiver within 1 h. The reaction time was 7-8 min at 80-85°C, methanol being condensed in the cold trap. After addition was complete, a further 120 ml of NMP were added dropwise in order to displace the reaction mixture completely from the reactor. The reaction mixture was added to ice water and HCI and, if necessary, adjusted to pH 2-3 using HCI. The precipitated product was filtered off and washed with water. 88 g (90 %) of 3-(4,4,4-trifluoro-3-oxo-1-butenyl)acrylonitrile having the purity w.w % 99 % as an isomer mixture of 4 stereoisomers were obtained. M. p.:124-126°C. WE CLAIM: 1. A process for the preparation of a compound having the formula (I): wherein R is (C1-C4)-haloalkyl, said process comprising: (a) reacting a 3-amino-l"haloalkyl-2-propen-i-one having the formula (II): RF—C(O)—CH=CH—NH2 (11) wherein R is defined as above, in a condensation reaction with at least one compound having a formula selected from the group consisting of (III), (IV), (V), (VI) and (VII): (R'Z)CH=CH—CN (III) (R'Z)2CH—CH2—CN (IV) Hal-CH=CH—CN (V) HalzCH—CH2CN (VI) HC=C-CN (VIj) wherein R' is alkyl, Hal is CI or Br and each Z is, independently, O, S, NR' or OCO, to afford at least one compound having a formula selected from the group consisting of (VIII), (IX) and (X): RF —C(O)—CH=CH—NH—CH-CH—CN (VIII) RF —C(O)—CH=CH—NH—CH(ZR')—CH2—CN (IX) RF —C(O)—CH=CH—NH—CH(Hal)—CH2—CN (X) wherein RF , R , Z and Hal are as defined above; and (b) subjecting the reaction product of step (a) to a ring closure reaction to afford the corresponding compound having the formula (I). 2. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compound of formula (II) is reacted with at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a compound of the formula (III) and a compound of the formula (IV) under reduced pressure. 3. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ring closure reaction is carried out in a solvent. 4. The process as claimed in claim 3, wherein the ring closure reaction is further carried out in the presence of a base. 5. The process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, carried out as a one-pot process without isolation of intermediates. 6. The process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein RF is CH2F, CFCI2, CF2Cl,CF3 or C2F5. 7. The process as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein Z is O or NR1 8. The process as claimed in claim 7, wherein R1 is (C1-C4)-alkyl. Dated this 10th day of June 2003

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