Synthesis and practical applications of 2-(2-nitroalkyl)pyrroles

Org Biomol Chem. 2020 Jun 24;18(24):4533-4546. doi: 10.1039/d0ob00956c.

Abstract

Functionalization of pyrroles introducing a 2-nitroalkyl moiety allows the formation of nitro-containing compounds to be used as pivotal intermediates for the synthesis of bioactive compounds. The reaction of pyrroles with nitroalkenes under the Friedel-Crafts conditions allows a direct entry to 2-(2-nitroalkyl)pyrroles. This approach can also be used for the preparation of enantioenriched derivatives exploiting asymmetric catalysis. In a complementary fashion, the Henry reaction between 2-formylpyrroles and nitroalkanes generates the corresponding nitroaldol products which upon dehydration and reduction of the intermediate 2-pyrrolylnitroethene efficiently afford 2-(2-nitroalkyl)pyrroles. This review article summarizes the most relevant procedures for the preparation of 2-(2-nitroalkyl)pyrroles during the last two decades as well as their significant practical applications.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't