Versatile synthesis of α-substituted taurines from nitroolefins.

A series of 1-substituted and 1,1-disubstituted taurines were synthesized from nitroolefins via the Michael addition with sodium ethylxanthate, oxidation with performic acid, and reduction with hydrogen in the presence of palladium on carbon powder. The current route is a versatile and salt-free method for synthesis of both aliphatic and aromatic 1-substituted and 1,1-disubstituted taurines.