Oxidative free radical reactions of enamino esters

Oxidative free radical reactions of enamino esters are described. Electrophilic carbon-centered radicals produced by the cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN) oxidation of β-dicarbonyl compounds undergo efficient addition to the C–C double bond of enamino esters. This CAN mediated free radical reaction between enamino esters and β-dicarbonyl compounds provides a novel method for the synthesis of highly substituted pyrroles. The direct CAN oxidation of β-enaminocinnamates gave the dimerization products effectively.