An aerobic oxidative stereoselective denitroalkylation of β-nitrostyrenes under mild
conditions by using an alkylboronic acid as the alkyl source was achieved. This protocol
accepts a broad scope of β-nitrostyrenes and alkylboronic acids, leading to the formation
of C(sp3)–C(sp2) bonds. Air was employed to reoxidize the resultant Mn(II) species back to Mn(III)
during the catalytic cycle.
Key words
manganese catalysis - denitroalkylation - alkylboronic acids - nitrostyrenes - radical
reaction - aerobic oxidation