A direct method for the synthesis of polyfunctionalized unsaturated carbonyl derivatives by Michael addition of nitroalkanes to enediones with the help of DBU

Abstract

The Michael addition of several nitroalkanes to dimethyl maleate, (Z)-3-hexene-2,5-dione, N-ethyl maleimide, and N-phenyl maleimide, in MeCN or THF, proceeds very efficiently on DBU as base, and furnishes good to high yields of polyfunctionalized unsaturated carbonyl derivatives.