Synthesis of polysubstituted pyrroles via [3 + 2]-annulation of aziridines and β-nitroalkenes under aerobic conditions.

Polysubstituted pyrroles were regioselectively synthesized in moderate to good yields via the copper acetate-catalyzed [3 + 2] annulation reaction of readily accessible aziridines and nitroalkenes. This reaction was proposed to proceed through a key azomethine ylide intermediate generated by selective C-C bond cleavage of the aziridine followed by annulation with nitroalkenes under aerobic conditions.