SYNTHESIS OF PYRROLE DERIVATIVES FROM 5,6-DIHYDRO-4H-1,2-OXAZINES VIA REDUCTIVE DEOXYGENATION BY USE OF FE3(CO)12

alpha-Bromooximes such as alpha-bromoacetophenone oxime and ethyl 3-bromo-2-(hydroxyimino)propanoate react with enamines to give 5,6-dihydro-4H-1,2-oxazines in good yields. Dihydro-1,2-oxazine derivatives are also obtained by the reaction of alpha-bromooximes with vinyl ethers and silyl enol ethers in the presence of Na2CO3. Dihydro-1,2-oxazines can be converted into pyrrole derivatives via reductive deoxygenation by treating with Fe3(CO)12 in moderate to excellent yields. Iron carbonyl complexes other than Fe3(CO)12 are also effective for the pyrrole-forming reaction. The efficiency of the complexes for this reaction decreases in the order: Fe3(CO)12 >> Et3NH[HFe3(CO)11] > Fe2(CO)9 >> Fe(CO)5. Both of the dihydro-1,2-oxazine- and pyrrole-forming reactions can be carried out in a single flask, giving pyrrole derivatives in good yields.