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.