Switchable assembly of substituted pyrimidines and 2H-imidazoles via Cu(i)-catalysed ring expansion of 2 methoxyl-2H-azirines

Abstract

The unprecedented switchable synthesis of substituted pyrimidines and 2H-imidazoles via the Cu(I)-catalyzed ring expansion of 2-methoxyl-2H-azirines is described. This protocol features broad substrate scope and allows the rapid assembly of amides. Notably, this process includes the selective cleavage of the C–N bond or C–C bond of 2H-azirines with [3 + 2] or [3 + 3] annulation.