Preparation of cyclic allylic nitro compounds

Abstract:

Amine-catalyzed formation of cyclic allylic nitro compounds via nitro-aldol reaction is disclosed. A greener solvent and a cheaper, more robust catalyst than in previous reports are used in the nitro-aldol reaction. After screening a range of catalysts the reaction is developed as a selective method of synthesis of .alpha.-dehydroherbac and the scope is demonstrated with a small collection of additional substrates.