One-pot synthesis of 3-alkyl-2,4-dinitrocyclohexanols, under solventless conditions using basic alumina

Abstract

3-Alkyl-2,4-dinitrocyclohexanols can be prepared in a one-pot procedure by reaction of 1,3-dinitroalkanes with acrolein, catalysed by basic alumina and in the absence of any solvent. The synthesis proceeds using tandem Michael/nitroaldol (Henry) reactions and allows satisfactory to good yields of the title compounds. Moreover, several functionalities can be preserved under our conditions.