New and straightforward access to olefins, butenolides and β-nitro γ-butyrolactones from precursors obtained via SRN1 reactions

The coupling of gem-chloro-nitro derivatives as substrates for S RN 1 reactions with anions derived from variously substituted β-dicarbonyl compounds readily gives key compounds which, depending upon the structure of the reactants, lead directly to functionalized olefins, or under acidic treatment to butenolides and to simple or spiro-β-nitro-γ-butyrolactones