Copper-Catalyzed Propargylation of Nitroalkanes

Using a commercially available, inexpensive, and abundant copper catalyst system, an efficient α–functionalization of nitroalkanes with propargyl bromides is now established. This mild and robust method is highly functional group tolerant and provides straightforward access to complex secondary and tertiary homopropargylic nitroalkanes. Moreover, the utility of these α-propargylated nitroalkanes is demonstrated through downstream functionalization to biologically relevant, five-membered N- heterocycles such as pyrroles and 2-pyrrolines.