Iron-Mediated Radical Halo-Nitration of Alkenes

Radical halo-nitration of alkenes using iron(III) nitrate nonahydrate and halogen salt has been developed. The present reaction proceeds by radical addition of nitrogen dioxide generated by thermal decomposition of iron(III) nitrate nonahydrate and subsequent trapping of the resultant radical by a halogen atom in the presence of halogen salt. Application of this method to synthesis of nitroalkenes is also described. The practicality of the present method using nontoxic and inexpensive iron reagents has been shown by the application to broad alkenes.