A new synthesis of di- and trisubstituted pyrroles was achieved by treating in situ generated vinylogous diazoesters and readily available nitriles with a catalytic amount of silver(I) antimony hexafluoride at room temperature. This method showcased the potential of utilizing silver(I) carbenoids in preparing heterocyclic compounds.

A New Pyrrole Synthesis via Silver(I)-Catalyzed Cycloaddition of Vinylogous Diazoester and Nitrile. -A new synthesis of di-and trisubstituted pyrroles is achieved by treating vinylogous diazoesters and readily available nitriles with a catalytic amount of silver(I) antimony hexafluoride. Lower yields for trisubstituted pyrroles (VI) are due to the diminished stability of diazoester (IV). -(BILLEDEAU, R. J.; KLEIN, K. R.; KAPLAN, D.; LOU*, Y.; Org. Lett. 15 (2013) 7, 1421-1423, http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ol400062w ; Novartis Inst. Biomed. Res., Emeryville, CA 94608, USA; Eng.) -H. Haber 32-121