Radical Redox-Relay Catalysis: Formal [3+2] Cycloaddition of N-Acylaziridines and Alkenes

J Am Chem Soc. 2017 Sep 6;139(35):12141-12144. doi: 10.1021/jacs.7b06723. Epub 2017 Aug 25.

Abstract

We report Ti-catalyzed radical formal [3+2] cycloadditions of N-acylaziridines and alkenes. This method provides an efficient approach to the synthesis of pyrrolidines, structural units prevalent in bioactive compounds and organocatalysts, from readily available starting materials. The overall redox-neutral reaction was achieved via a redox-relay mechanism, which harnesses radical intermediates for selective C-N bond cleavage and formation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alkenes / chemistry*
  • Aziridines / chemistry*
  • Catalysis
  • Cycloaddition Reaction*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Titanium / chemistry

Substances

  • Alkenes
  • Aziridines
  • Titanium