Synthesis and study of the fluorescent behavior of 3-pyridinecarbonitriles

A series of (2E)-3-(1-chloro-6-methoxy-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)-1-(4-aryl)prop-2-en-1-ones (chalcones) have been synthesized by a new synthetic route. The 3-pyridinecarbonitrile derivatives were synthesized by the Michael reaction of malononitrile (in base) and aroylacetonitriles (in acid) with chalcones in one pot. The fluorescent properties and quantum yields of these compounds were studied.