Pyridine 1-oxides, basicities nucleophilic substitution

Being anionic carbonyl synthons, the nitroalkanes have been explored extensively for their conversion into the corresponding carbonyl compounds. For example, the embedment of a nitroalkane onto an activated basic silica gel or the blockage of the C-protonation of nitronate with a protonated concave pyridine. The reaction under the latter condition is called the soft Nef reaction. In addition, the introduction of a y-trimethylsilyl group is proved to smooth the Nef reaction. Moreover, when a primary nitroalkane is treated with nitrite/acetic acid, a carboxylic acid is resolved. Furthermore, the oxidative Nef reaction has successfully converted the nitro cyclohexadienes into the substituted phenols via a nucleophilic addition. 

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