One-pot protocol to synthesize N-(β-nitro)amides by tandem Henry/Ritter reaction

A novel, efficient and atom economical one pot protocol for the synthesis of N-(β-nitro)amides has been described by combining the Henry reaction with the Ritter reaction. The designed products could be obtained from easily available aldehydes, nitroalkanes and nitriles with 60–83% overall yields under mild reaction conditions. In addition, the product can easily be transformed into diamine or protective amine derivatives.