Synthesis and structure of β-aryl-α-nitroacrylates

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