Abstract

The importance of diaminomaleonitrile (DAMN) as a readily available and cheap building block for the synthesis of various nitrogen heterocycles has attracted the attention of organic chemists worldwide. An enormous number of research studies have focused on the preparation of various heterocycles that play a role in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, dyes, and pigment industries, among others. This review details developments in the chemistry and reactions of DAMN over the last decade including novel methods utilised, new compounds prepared, and significant applications.

Keywords: Diaminomaleonitrile, diazotization, imidazoles, N-heterocycles, pyrimidines, triazoles.

Graphical Abstract