Used for Michael addition to afford 1,4-diketones, furans, and pyrroles, and an electrophilic reagent for α-keto cation in the Friedel-Crafts reaction.
Potentially dangerouspolymerization reaction on contact with alkalies. Whenheated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx. Seealso NITROALKANES.
2-Nitro-1-propene is prepared by dehydration of 2-nitro-1-propanol (ca. 98% purity commercially or prepared from Nitroethane and formalin, yield 70%) with phthalic anhydride (73%) or Acetic Anhydride-AcONa (85%).
Pure 2-nitro-1-propene may be stored in a freezer for several weeks;
best prepared immediately before use since it tends to polymerize; this reagent is a powerful lachrymator.
Use in a fume hood.
