, as well as one absorption band near 2226 cm -1 that is diagnostic of a nitrile function. A peak at m/z (%) 309.73 (25.31) in its mass spectra was identified as the molecular ion. In addition to the anticipated chemical shifts, compound 3's 1 H NMR spectrum also displayed a doublet signal at δ 8.19 caused by the aldehyde proton. In contrast, when the same reaction was repeated with piperidine added in place of trimethylamine, the water molecule was lost in the process, yielding the phenylpenta-2,4-dienamide derivative 4. The IR spectra of this derivative showed an NH band at 3431 cm -1 , a nitrile absorption band around 2200 cm -1