One-Pot Synthesis of γ-Diketones, γ-Keto Esters, and Conjugated Cyclopentenones­ from Nitroalkanes

Conjugated addition of primary nitroalkanes to α,β-unsaturated ketones or α,β-unsaturated esters, in the presence of two equivalents of DBU, allows the one-pot prepration of γ-diketones or γ-keto esters, respectively. When 2-aryl-1-nitroethane derivatives are employed as starting nitroalkanes in the reaction with α,β-unsaturated ketones, the one-pot formation of cyclopentenones is observed.