Overcoming the Usual Reactivity of β-Nitroenones: Synthesis of Polyfunctionalized Homoallylic Alcohols and Conjugated Nitrotriene Systems

Herein, we report a new application of β-nitroenones as valuable building blocks for the preparation of polyfunctionalized homoallylic alcohols; they can be used as key precursors of conjugated nitrotriene systems. The synthesis of homoallylic alcohols was performed exploiting the chemoselective addition of metal allylating agents to the ketone moiety vs the nitroalkenyl group. The conversion of alcohols into nitrotrienes was achieved under Lewis-acid-promoted conditions. Both classes of compounds were obtained in good to excellent yields.