Barton–Zard reaction

The Barton–Zard reaction is a route to pyrrole derivatives via the reaction of a nitroalkene with an α-isocyanide under basic conditions.

[1] It is named after Derek Barton and Samir Zard who first reported it in 1985.

[2] The mechanism consists of five steps: The nitro compound may be aromatic rather than just an alkene.

[3] The reaction has been used for the synthesis of polypyrroles, including porphyrins,[4] as well as dipyrromethenes such as BODIPY.

[5]