Synthesis of (E)-nitroolefins and substituted nitrobenzenes via decarboxylative nitration using cellulose supported copper nanoparticles

The first cellulose supported copper nanoparticles catalyzed decarboxylative nitration of cinnamic and benzoic acids are described. (E)-Nitroolefins were obtained stereoselectively in excellent yields under mild and convenient reaction conditions in the case of cinnamic acids. This novel and efficient catalytic system was also successfully applied in nitrodecarboxylation of a few benzoic acids which is one of the major advantages over the existing protocols.