Nitroalkanes as a new, convenient source of 1-Acyl-2,5-dialkylbenzene derivatives, in two steps

Abstract

Nitroalkanes have proved to be valuable intermediates. Both the activating effect of the nitro group and its facile transformation into various functionalities have extended the importance of nitro compounds in the preparation of complex molecules. Peculiar to aliphatic nitro compounds is the formation of new carbon-carbon single bonds, via the nitronate and, in specific cases, the creation of carbon-carbon double bonds through the elimination of nitrous acid. Recently, we disclosed that nitroalkanes exhibit a remarkable reactivity in water, in particular their conjugate addition to electron-deficient alkenes. On the basis of these considerations, we have found that nitroalkanes can be conveniently used as building blocks to produce aromatic systems.