Lithiation of N-alkyl-(o-tolyl)aziridine: stereoselective synthesis of isochromans

J Org Chem. 2009 Aug 21;74(16):6319-22. doi: 10.1021/jo9011943.

Abstract

The lithiation reaction of o-tolylaziridine 1 has been investigated by using the aziridine ring capability to act as a directing metalation group. Trapped with electrophiles, the resulting o-aziridinyl benzyllithium 1-Li gives access to several functionalized aziridines 2a-j. The hydroxyalkylated derivatives 2d-j were converted into important scaffolds such as isochromans 3a-d. A stereoselective preparation of isochromans (R)-3b, (1R,3S)-3d, and (1R,3R)-3d has been developed starting from enantioenriched o-tolylaziridine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkylation
  • Aziridines / chemistry*
  • Chromans / chemical synthesis*
  • Chromans / chemistry*
  • Lithium / chemistry*
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Aziridines
  • Chromans
  • aziridine
  • Lithium