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Updated: Dec 26, 2025

Preparation of Enantiopure Non-Activated Aziridines and Synthesis of Biemamide B, D, and epiallo-Isomuscarine
Published on: June 13, 2022
Biomimetic 2-Imino-Nazarov Cyclizations via Eneallene Aziridination
Joshua R Corbin1, Devin R Ketelboeter1, Israel Fernández2
1Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States.
Abstract:
Amidoallyl cations are appealing three-carbon synthons for the preparation of complex amine-containing carbocycles; however, methods to generate and utilize these reactive species are limited and underexplored compared to those for oxallyl cations. Here we disclose a bioinspired strain-driven ring opening of bicyclic methyleneaziridines to 2-amidopentadienyl cation intermediates that readily engage in Nazarov cyclizations. Advantages of this strategy include ease of generation and improved reactivity compared to 3-pentadienyl cations, control over the ultimate position of the alkene, the potential for high dr between vicinal stereocenters, and the ability to further elaborate the products to fully substituted aminocyclopentanes. Experimental and computational studies support a dual role for the Rh2L complex as both a nitrene transfer catalyst and a Lewis acid promoter, insight that provides a framework for the future development of asymmetric 2-imino-Nazarov cyclizations.
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