Direct dihalo-alkoxylation of nitroalkenes leading to β,β-dihalo-β-nitroethyl alkyl ethers

One-pot and metal-free synthesis of 3-arylated-4-nitrophenols via polyfunctionalized cyclohexanones from β-nitrostyrenes

β-Nitrostyrenes underwent a Diels-Alder reaction with Danishefsky's diene to afford cyclohexenes together with the corresponding hydrolyzed products, 3-arylated-5-methoxy-4-nitrocyclohexanones. When the reaction was conducted in the presence of water, the cyclohexenes were efficiently hydrolyzed into cyclohexanones. Subsequent aromatization by heating the cyclohexanone with a catalytic amount of iodine in dimethyl sulfoxide gave 3-arylated-4-nitrophenols. The reaction of nitrostyrenes with Danishefsky's diene could be conducted in one pot to directly afford the corresponding nitrophenols. Moreover, a heteroaryl group, e.g., a thienyl group could be introduced into the nitrophenol framework.

Recent Progress in Nitro-Promoted Direct Functionalization of Pyridones and Quinolones

Nitro group is one of the most important functional groups in organic syntheses because its strongly electron-withdrawing ability activates the scaffold, facilitating the reaction with nucleophilic reagents or the Diels-Alder reaction. In this review, recent progress in the nitro-promoted direct functionalization of pyridones and quinolones is highlighted to complement previous reviews.