Stereoselective Synthesis of Homoallyl Nitroalkane Derivatives through Base-Promoted Regioselective Decarboxylation of Baylis-Hillman Derivatives

2-Aryl-2-nitroacetates as central precursors to aryl nitromethanes, α-ketoesters, and α-amino acids

Nitroarylacetates are useful small molecular building blocks that act as precursors to α-ketoesters and aryl nitromethanes as well as α-amino acids. Methods were developed that produce each of these compound types in good yields. Two different conditions for decarboxylation are discussed for substrates with neutral and electron-poor aryl groups versus electron-rich aryl groups. For formation of the α-ketoesters, new mild conditions for the Nef disproportionation were identified.

Catalytic diastereoselective tandem conjugate addition-elimination reaction of Morita-Baylis-Hillman C adducts by C-C bond cleavage

Through the cleavage of the C-C bond, the first catalytic tandem conjugate addition-elimination reaction of Morita-Baylis-Hillman C adducts has been presented. Various S(N)2'-like C-, S-, and P-allylic compounds could be obtained with exclusive E configuration in good to excellent yields. The Michael product could also be easily prepared by tuning the β-C-substituent group of the α-methylene ester under the same reaction conditions. Calculated relative energies of various transition states by DFT methods strongly support the observed chemoselectivity and diastereoselectivity.