Synthesis of highly substituted pyrroles via oxidative free radical reactions of β-aminocinnamates

Oxidative free radical reactions of β-aminocinnamates are described. Imine radicals produced by tetra-n-butylammonium cerium(IV) nitrate (TBACN) oxidation of enamines undergo efficient addition to the C–C double bond of β-aminocinnamates. This TBACN mediated free radical reaction between β-aminocinnamates and enamines provides a novel method for the synthesis of highly substituted pyrroles. The direct TBACN oxidation of β-aminocinnamates gave the dimerization products effectively.