Nickel-catalyzed Negishi alkylations of styrenyl aziridines

J Am Chem Soc. 2012 Jun 13;134(23):9541-4. doi: 10.1021/ja3013825. Epub 2012 Mar 16.

Abstract

A nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction between N-sulfonyl aziridines and organozinc reagents is reported. The catalytic system comprises an inexpensive and air-stable Ni(II) source and dimethyl fumarate as ligand. Regioselective synthesis of β-substituted amines is possible under mild and functional-group-tolerant conditions. The stereoselectivity of the reaction is consistent with a stereoconvergent mechanism wherein the sulfonamide directs C-C bond formation.