NaNO2-catalyzed reaction of cyclohexenone-MBH acetates: A convenient synthesis of 2-methylene-3-cyclohexenones

An efficient NaNO2-catalyzed synthesis of 2-methylene-3-cyclohexenones from easily accessible cyclohexenone-MBH acetates has been established for the first time. Target products were rapidly generated in moderate to high yields and with relatively high E/Z selectivity. Easy operation, good functional group tolerance, mild reaction conditions and the practicality of high efficiency of NaNO2 for the formation of 2-methylene-3-cyclohexenones constitute the attractive advantages of this reaction.