Modular one-pot synthesis of tetrasubstituted Pyrroles from α-(Alkylideneamino)nitriles

[GRAPHICS] 2,3,4,5-Tetrasubstituted pyrroles have been prepared with high regioselectivity by a formal cycloaddition of alpha-(alkylideneamino)nitriles and nitroolefins followed by elimination of HCN and HNO2. The reaction allows the convergent construction of the pyrrole ring in four steps from a nitroalkane and three aldehydes.