One-pot synthesis of nitrocyclopropane: α-Amylase-catalyzed Michael addition initiated ring-closure sequence reactions

This article presents a one-pot synthesis of nitrocyclopropanes via Michael addition initiated ring-closure sequence reactions of bromonitroalkane to α,β-unsaturated enones. Moderate to favorable yields (55-93%) and certain enantioselectivities were obtained with α-amylase from hog pancreas as the catalyst. This strategy utilizes the unnatural ability of enzymes to provide a convenient and biocatalytic method for green organic synthesis. Graphical abstract

Source: Journal of Molecular Catalysis B: Enzymatic - September 13, 2016 Category: Biochemistry Source Type: research