An efficient method for the synthesis of α-arylated nitroalkanes and α-arylated hydroximoyl chlorides mediated by AlCl3

Friedel–Crafts alkylation of various arenes/heteroarenes to β-nitrostyrenes mediated by aluminum chloride is described. The interesting feature of this methodology pertain the formation of different products by tuning the reaction temperature. α-Arylated nitroalkanes were formed predominately at −78 °C, whereas α-arylated hydroximoyl chlorides were obtained at room temperature without any side products in high yields.