Carbene-Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of Nitrobenzyl Bromide and Nitroalkene via the Single-Electron-Transfer (SET) Process and Formal 1,4-Addition

A carbene-catalyzed reductive 1,4-addition of nitrobenzyl bromides to nitroalkenes is disclosed. The reaction proceeds via a carbene-enabled single-electron-transfer process that generates radicals as key intermediates. The present study expands the potentials of carbene catalysis and offers unusual transformations for common substrates in organic synthesis.NRF (Natl Research Foundation, S’pore)MOE (Min. of Education, S’pore