Michael Addition of Nitroalkanes to Dimethyl Maleate with DBU. A New Direct Method for the Synthesis of Polyfunctionalized α,β-Unsaturated Esters.

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4039(94)88479-X

Michael addition of nitroalkanes to dimethyl maleate, in acetonitrile and with 1,8-diazabicyclo<5.4.0>undec-7-ene (DBU) as base affords, directly, polyfunctionalized α,β-unsaturated esters, via elimination of nitrous acid.