Dimerization and isomerization reactions of alpha-lithiated terminal aziridines

J Org Chem. 2007 Dec 21;72(26):10009-21. doi: 10.1021/jo701901t. Epub 2007 Nov 17.

Abstract

The scope of dimerization and isomerization reactions of alpha-lithiated terminal aziridines is detailed. Regio- and stereoselective deprotonation of simple terminal aziridines with lithium 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidide (LTMP) or lithium dicyclohexylamide (LiNCy2) generates trans-alpha-lithiated terminal aziridines. These latter species can then undergo dimerization or isomerization reactions depending on the nature of the N-protecting group. alpha-Lithiated terminal aziridines bearing N-alkoxycarbonyl (Boc) protection undergo N- to C-[1,2] migration to give N-H trans-aziridinylesters. In contrast, aziridines bearing N-organosulfonyl [tert-butylsulfonyl (Bus)] protection undergo rapid dimerization to give 2-ene-1,4-diamines or, if a pendant alkene is present, diastereoselective cyclopropanation to give 2-aminobicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes. All of these reactions were used as key steps in the preparation of synthetically and biologically important targets.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amines / chemical synthesis
  • Amines / chemistry
  • Aziridines / chemistry*
  • Cyclopropanes / chemical synthesis
  • Dimerization
  • Esters / chemical synthesis
  • Esters / chemistry
  • Lithium / chemistry*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Organometallic Compounds / chemical synthesis
  • Organometallic Compounds / chemistry*
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Amines
  • Aziridines
  • Cyclopropanes
  • Esters
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Lithium