Synthesis of 3,4-diarylisoxazoline N-oxides from nitrostilbenes and nitroacetates

A base-catalyzed reaction of nitrostilbenes with alkyl nitroacetates proceeds regioselectively to afford 3,4-diarylisoxazoline N-oxides as sole or major products. In some cases small amounts of 4,5-diarylisoxazoline N-oxides were formed as side products.