Three‐component Synthesis of Functionalized N‐Protected Tetrasubstituted Pyrroles by an Addition‐Elimination‐Aromatization Process

A three‐component, one‐pot, synthesis of N‐protected tetrasubstituted pyrroles has been developed by treating nitroallylic acetates with an amine and a β‐keto ester mediated by ceric ammonium nitrate in MeOH. By this method, a diverse array of N‐protected pyrrole 2,4‐dicarboxylic acid derivatives have been synthesized in 37–76 % yield. The reactions proceed smoothly through an interesting SN2’ displacement and aromatization process.