Unexpected Heterocyclization of Electrophilic Alkenes by Tetranitromethane in the Presence of Triethylamine. Synthesis of 5-Nitroisoxazoles

J Org Chem. 2019 Mar 15;84(6):3192-3200. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.8b03086. Epub 2019 Feb 26.

Abstract

A novel reaction of tetranitromethane with electrophilic alkenes in the presence of triethylamine affording substituted 5-nitroisoxazoles is described. Triethylamine reacts with tetranitromethane to generate N-nitrotriethylammonium and trinitromethanide. This process provides the heterocyclization of electrophilic alkenes. A variety of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes, ketones, esters, amides, phosphonates, nitro, and sulfur compounds was involved in the heterocyclization reaction, and a wide range of functionalized 5-nitroisoxazoles was obtained in good to high yields. The scope and limitations of the reaction and the mechanistic proposal are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't