Process for preparing phenyl butyronitriles and perfumery use of 2,2-dimethyl-4-phenyl valeronitrile

Described is the use in imparting, augmenting or enhancing aromas to or in perfume compositions, colognes and perfumed articles by admixing therewith an aroma imparting, augmenting or enhancing quantity of 2,2-dimethyl-4-phenyl valeronitrile defined according to the structure: Also described herein is a process for preparing phenyl butyronitriles by reacting isobutyronitrile having the structure: with a styrene derivative defined according to the structure: according to the reaction: in the presence of a catalyst selected from the group consisting of sodium hydride and lithium diisopropyl amide having the structure: at a temperature in the range of from about 90 DEG C up to about 130 DEG C yielding more than about 65% by weight of product wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different and each represents hydrogen or methyl.