Three‐component Synthesis of Functionalized N ‐Protected Tetrasubstituted Pyrroles by an Addition‐Elimination‐Aromatization Process

A three‐component, one‐pot, synthesis of N ‐protected tetrasubstituted pyrroles has been developed by treating nitroallylic acetates with an amine and a β‐keto ester mediated by ceric ammonium nitrate in MeOH. By this method, a diverse array of N ‐protected pyrrole 2,4‐dicarboxylic acid derivatives have been synthesized in 37–76 % yield. The reactions proceed smoothly through an interesting S N 2’ displacement and aromatization process.