[3-(4-Methylphenyl)-5-isoxazolyl]acetonitrile

An improved synthesis of the title compound, C₁₂H₁₀N₂O, via the reaction of 6-(4-methylphenyl)-4-thiomethyl-2-oxo-2H-pyran-3-carbonitrile and hydroxylamine hydrochloride in pyridine is reported. The isoxazole ring is planar and is inclined at an angle of 34.2 (1)° to the aromatic ring. All bond lengths and angles are unexceptional.

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