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

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4020(95)00136-V

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.