The Utility of Nitroacetic Acid and its Derivatives in the Synthesis of Heterocycles

Heterocycles, bearing nitro groups, are of interest as biologically active compounds (e.g., metronidazole, nitrazepam, nitroxolinum) or in connection with hydrogenation of nitro- to amino group. Methods of nitration are not always satisfactory because of low yields, mixture of isomers formation and potential hazard of nitrating reagents. The application of nitroacetic acid derivatives has been previously reviewed in part (1-5). The present review summarizes data reported after 1980 but older work is also cited when appropriate.