Barton–Zard reaction
The Barton–Zard reaction is a route to pyrrole derivatives via the reaction of a nitroalkene with an α-isocyanoacetate under basic conditions. It is named after Derek Barton and Samir Zard who first reported it in 1985. Mechanism. The mechanism consists of five steps: Scope. The nitro compound may be aromatic rather than just an alkene. The reaction has been used for the synthesis of polypyrroles, including porphyrins, as well as dipyrromethenes such as BODIPY.