Synthesis 2007(16): 2559-2564  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-983805
SPECIALTOPIC
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Organocatalytic Biomimetic Reduction of Conjugated Nitroalkenes

Zhiguo Zhang, Peter R. Schreiner*
Institut für Organische Chemie, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 58, 35392 Gießen, Germany
Fax: +49(641)9934309; e-Mail: prs@org.chemie.uni-giessen.de;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 30 April 2007
Publication Date:
24 July 2007 (online)

Abstract

A thiourea-catalyzed biomimetic reduction of conjugated nitroalkenes has been developed. Various aromatic and aliphatic conjugated nitroalkenes can be reduced to give the respective nitroalkanes with good yields under mild conditions. This protocol is not only practical, but may also provide insight into the mechanisms of redox transformations in biological systems.