Directed Synthesis of Regioisomeric Monoaryl‐Substituted Pyridines Containing a Tricyanobutadiene Fragment and Study on Their Optical Properties

A series of regioisomeric monoaryl‐substituted pyridines containing a tricyanobutadiene fragment were prepared using modified known and novel developed synthetic approaches. Advantages and limitations of the used methods were discussed. Dependence of the optical absorption and emission characteristics on the position of aromatic substituent was studied. An unusual intramolecular charge transfer from malononitrile fragment to the pyridine ring was found, which was consistent with observed experimental and theoretical data.