Novel synthesis of alkenes via triethylaluminum-induced free radical reactions of alkyl iodides and β-nitrostyrenes

Reactions of (E)-β-nitrostyrenes 1 with triethylaluminum (Et3Al) 2 and alkyl iodide (RI) 3, 4, or 5 in the presence of benzoyl peroxide in diethyl ether solution at room temperature to give 60–100% of the different (E)-alkenes 6, 7, or 8. Under similar conditions, 95% of 1-adamantyl-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethene 10 or 80% of 1-(4-oxoadamantyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethene 12 also can be easily prepared by using 1-iodoadamantane 9 or 5-iodo-2-adamantanone 11 and 2.