Metal-free Synthesis of beta-Nitrostyrenes via DDQ-Catalyzed Nitration

Abstract

In this study, we have developed a facile synthesis of (E)-β-nitrostyrenes by using tert-butyl nitrite as a source of nitro group and DDQ as a key oxidant under aerobic condition. This process highlighted that a wide range of β-nitrostyrenes could be synthesized under mild metal-free reaction conditions at room temperature starting from readily available styrenes.