Improved one-pot synthesis of styryl tetrahydrofurans and cyclohexanes by radical addition to β-nitrostyrenes in the presence of benzoyl peroxide

Stereoselective styryl derivatives have been prepared based on radical substitution (addition-elimination) of heterocycles or cyclohydrocarbons units to (E)-β-nitrostyrenes 1 using a common radical initiator benzoyl peroxide. High reactivity and selectivity with wide substrate scope were attained by using this easy methodology. The reactions using easily obtained and one-pot potential starting materials gave excellent trans-selectivity with medium to high yields in all cases. Synthetic utility of this approach has been demonstrated by the preparation of various trans-styryl derivatives.