Copper triflate was used as catalyst for the addition of pyrrole to 2-benzylidenemalononitrile and its substituted derivatives. 2-Alkylated pyrrole derivatives were regioselectively obtained in mild reaction conditions. The addition reactions were found to be highly dependent on the substituents of the phenyl group.
Keywords: Metal triflates, pyrrole, alkylated pyrrole, Michael addition, direct alkylation, benzylidenemalononitrile