Synthesis and structure of β-aryl-α-nitroacrylates

The method for preparation of ethyl alpha-nitrocinnamates by nitroacetic acid ester alkenylation with aromatic aldehydes in the presence of acetic acid and beta-alanine has been modified. Structures of the prepared compounds have been proved by electronic, IR, H-1, and C-13-{H-1} NMR spectroscopy (including heteronuclear correlation experiments H-1-C-13 HMQC and H-1-C-13 HMBC). In solution these compounds exist in the form of Z-isomer; the Za double dagger"E isomerization is observed in the case of the compound containing strong electron-donor group [N(CH3)(2)] at benzene ring.