Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 25, 2026

Efficient Construction of Drug-like Bispirocyclic Scaffolds Via Organocatalytic Cycloadditions of α-Imino γ-Lactones and Alkylidene Pyrazolones
Published on: February 7, 2019
Revival of Thermal Aziridine-Alkene Cycloaddition: Pyrrolidine Synthesis in Terpenoid-Based Deep Eutectic Solvents
Lalita Radtanajiravong1, Nattawadee Nimsawang1
1Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Phayao, Phayao56000, Thailand.
Abstract:
A synthesis of pyrrolidines via atom-economic aziridine-alkene cycloaddition mediated by hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs) is reported. HDESs, prepared from naturally occurring terpenoid compounds, serve as high-boiling reaction media and as alternatives to conventional petroleum-based solvents. This protocol proceeds in the presence of air without any special precautions, offering an approach to highly substituted pyrrolidine scaffolds. A broad range of N-aryl aziridines is used as azomethine ylide precursors, delivering pyrrolidines in up to 94% isolated yield. The methodology is further extended to a one-pot double cycloaddition directly from azide starting material, with solvent reusability and gram-scale synthesis also demonstrated.
Related Concept Videos
Thermal Electrocyclic Reactions: Stereochemistry
Selection Rules: Thermal Activation
Conjugated systems containing an even number of π-electron pairs undergo a conrotatory ring closure. For example, thermal electrocyclization of (2E,4E)-2,4-hexadiene, a conjugated diene containing two π-electron pairs, gives trans-3,4-dimethylcyclobutene.
Cycloaddition Reactions: MO Requirements for Thermal Activation
Cycloaddition Reactions: Overview
[4+2] Cycloaddition of Conjugated Dienes: Diels–Alder Reaction
Thermal and Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Overview
Cycloaddition Reactions: MO Requirements for Photochemical Activation

