Asymmetric Friedel−Crafts Alkylation of Pyrroles with Nitroalkenes Using a Dinuclear Zinc Catalyst

The catalytic enantioselective and atom economic Friedel−Crafts alkylation of pyrroles with nitroalkenes under mild reaction conditions using a dinuclear zinc catalyst is reported. The versatility of the reaction is demonstrated by the conversion of a number of differentially substituted nitroalkenes with differentially substituted pyrroles. Tandem addition reactions to form 2,5-disubstituted pyrroles are also demsonstrated. All pyrrole alkylations have been carried out without using N -protecting groups, which also enhances the efficiency by which substituted pyrroles may be synthesized. The reactions result in good yields and excellent enantioselectivities.