General Route for Preparing β‑Nitrocarbonyl Compounds Using Copper Thermal Redox Catalysis

Using
a simple copper catalyst, the alkylation of nitroalkanes
with α-bromocarbonyls is now possible. This method provides
a general, functional group tolerant route to β-nitrocarbonyl
compounds, including nitro amides, esters, ketones, and aldehydes.
The highly sterically dense, functional group rich products from these
reactions can be readily elaborated into a range of complex nitrogen-containing
molecules, including highly substituted β-amino acids.