3-Halomethylated cyclic nitronates: synthesis and nucleophilic substitution

A method for the introduction of a halogen atom into the methyl group attached to the C-3 atom of five- and six-membered cyclic nitronates (isoxazoline N-oxides and oxazine N-oxides, respectively) has been studied. The process involves silylation of starting 3-methyl-substituted cyclic nitronates followed by halogenation of the resulting N-(silyloxy)enamines. While five- and six-membered cyclic enamines behave similarly toward elemental bromine and iodine, their reactions with NBS give different products, that were rationalized by stereoelectronic effects. The obtained halogenated nitronates were coupled with various nucleophiles affording new nitronates functionalized at the C-3 position.