Fe-catalyzed denitrative cyanoalkylation of nitroalkenes with cycloketone oxime esters via reductive C–C bond formation

Abstract

Reported herein is an iron catalyzed reductive denitrative cyanoalkylation of nitroalkenes with cycloketone oxime esters using Zn as the reductant. The NO₂ of nitroalkenes eventually acts as a leaving group under mild reductive conditions. This methodology leads to the efficient construction of various functional group substituted cyanoalkylated styrene derivatives in moderate to good yields. Preliminary mechanism studies indicated that a radical pathway might be involved in this novel reaction.