Optically active N-alkyl aziridines via stereospecific reductive cyclization of α-mesylated acetamides

Abstract

An efficient method for the synthesis of optically active N-alkyl aziridines has been realized for the first time by stereospecific reductive cyclization of optically active α-mesylated acetamides. A series of optically active N-alkyl aziridines are prepared in moderate to good yields and excellent ees. The employment of (9-BBN)₂ as the reagent is crucial for the success of the transformation.