Synthesis of (2-Nitro-1-AfAlemphenylethyl)malononitriles by Michael Addition of Masked Acyl Cyanides to Nitroalkenes

A highly efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of (2-nitro-1-phenylethyl)malononitriles through a Michael addition reaction between substituted nitroolefins and masked acyl cyanide reagents, serving as carbon monoxide equivalents. Under mild conditions, the reaction took place with excellent yields (90-98%), providing a short entry into a series of the title compounds in a scalable fashion. An asymmetric version of this reaction has also been briefly explored.