Facile and Efficient Michael Addition of Indole to Nitroolefins Catalyzed by Zn(OAc)₂ · 2H₂O

Abstract

The Zn(OAc)₂2H₂O-catalyed Michael addition reaction of indole to electron-deficient nitroolefins to afford the corresponding adducts in good to excellent yields with high selectivity is reported.

Keywords:

• Indole
• Michael addition
• nitroolefins

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We are grateful for support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (20702043), the Jiangsu Provincial Natural Science Foundation (BK2006549), and the Program for New Century Excellent Talents in Yangzhou University.

Notes

^a Conditions: 1 (0.3 mmol), 2a (0.36 mmol), and solvent (2 mL).

^b Yield after column chromatography.

^a Conditions: 1 (0.3 mmol), 2a–i (0.36 mmol), and solvent (2 mL).

^b Yield after column chromatography.