Selective synthesis of cis- and trans-2-(methyl/phenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)aziridines and their regio- and stereospecific ring opening

J Org Chem. 2014 Jun 20;79(12):5558-68. doi: 10.1021/jo5007448. Epub 2014 Jun 11.

Abstract

A convenient and stereoselective approach toward cis- and trans-1-alkyl-2-(methyl/phenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)aziridines was developed starting from the corresponding α,α,α-trifluoroketones via imination, α-chlorination, and hydride-induced ring closure. The reactivity of these newly synthesized nonactivated α-CF3-aziridines was evaluated by applying N-protonation or N-alkylation to effect regio- and stereospecific aziridine ring opening by oxygen, halogen, sulfur, and nitrogen nucleophiles. Furthermore, nonactivated α-CF3-aziridines were easily transformed into their activated analogues by replacing the N-benzyl protecting group with a N-tosyl group, rendering these α-CF3-aziridines much more susceptible to nucleophilic ring opening.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkylation
  • Aziridines / chemical synthesis*
  • Aziridines / chemistry
  • Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated / chemical synthesis*
  • Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated / chemistry
  • Molecular Structure
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Aziridines
  • Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated
  • aziridine