An efficient synthesis of nitroalkenes by alkene cross metathesis: facile access to small ring systems.

A synthesis of highly functionalized nitroalkenes is reported that utilizes a cross metathesis (CM) reaction between simple aliphatic nitro compounds and a range of substituted alkenes. This chemistry offers a simple and attractive route to nitroalkenes that would otherwise be difficult to prepare, and that have a very useful application as precursors to a variety of heterocyclic entities.