A tandem
Michael addition–cyclization of nitroalkenes with 1,3-dicarbonyl
compounds was developed using phase transfer catalyst (PTC), allowing
for the synthesis of polysubstituted-[4,5]-dihydrofuran in high yields.
A wide range of substrates were demonstrated by this one-step process.
Meanwhile, nitro group was substituted to form corresponding nitrite
ion detected in the aqueous phase providing a reasonable pathway for
denitrating poisonous and explosive nitro-containing compounds. The
proposed mechanism was also supported by our DFT calculations.