One-step synthesis of 3-aryl- and 3,4-diaryl-(1H)-pyrroles using tosylmethyl isocyanide (TOSMIC)

[GRAPHICS] A one-step synthesis of 3-aryl and 3,4-diaryl-(1H)-pyrroles from TOSMIC and commercially available or readily synthesized arylalkenes is reported. Optimal conditions were found to be NaOtBu in DMSO. The methodology was particularly efficient (yields > 65%) when electron poor aryl groups were attached to the alkene.