Abstract
N-Benzyl-1, 4-dihydronicotinamides having 2-methyl, 6-methyl and 2, 6-dimethyl substituents were prepared and their reactivities toward an activated carbonyl compound (hexachloroacetone) were investigated. The reaction rates were especially enhanced for the 2, 6-dimethyl derivative, with the order of the rates being 2, 6-dimethyl>2-methyl>6-methyl. The steric and electronic effects of the methyl group (s) are discussed based on the ultraviolet spectra and redox potential data.
