Methyl 4-nitro-5-[(E)-2-phenylethenyl]thiophene-2-carboxylate → methyl 5-phenyl-4H-thieno[3,2-b]pyrrole-2-carboxylate

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Reaction Steps

A solution (1 M) of methyl 4-nitro-5-[(E)-2-phenylethenyl]thiophene-2-carboxylate in triethyl phosphite was heated to reflux for 28 h. After cooling down a part of the solvent was evaporated under high vacuum (2 mbar, water bath 60° C.) then the residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel (1:4 acetone/toluene) to afford the title compound (32%) as a solid.

Provenance & Evidence