Synthesis of pyrroles from benzyl isocyanoacetate

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-1994-25431

Benzyl esters of 5-unsubstituted pyrrole-2-carboxylic acids were prepared in excellent yields by the base-catalyzed condensation of benzyl isocyanoacetate with α-acetoxynitro compounds, or nitro-alkenes, in refluxing tetrahydrofuran. These pyrrolic products are important intermediates in the synthesis of porphyrins and related compounds.