Synthesis
DOI: 10.1055/a-2806-4329
Short Review

Recent Progress in the Synthesis and Application of 2-Acylaziridines

Authors

  • Wenzhang Xiong

    1   School of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, China (Ringgold ID: RIN118409)
    2   School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China (Ringgold ID: RIN26469)
  • Rui Wang

    2   School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China (Ringgold ID: RIN26469)
  • Wenbo H. Liu

    2   School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China (Ringgold ID: RIN26469)

This work was supported the Doctoral Research Foundation of Fuyang Normal University (No. 2025KYQD0075 to W. Xiong).


Graphical Abstract

Abstract

2-Acylaziridines are versatile three-membered nitrogen heterocycles whose distinct reactivity stems from substantial ring strain and relatively weak C–N bonds. The appended acyl group exerts significant stereoelectronic influence and serves as a directing moiety, enabling stereoselective transformations that favor nucleophilic attack at the more substituted aziridine carbon and facilitate tandem cyclization processes. This review highlights recent advances over the past decade in the synthesis and applications of 2-acylaziridines, with an emphasis on innovative methodologies, detailed mechanistic studies, and practical implementations. It aims to inspire the development of advanced synthetic strategies and promote the broader use of these scaffolds in the construction of bioactive molecules and complex heterocyclic systems.



Publication History

Received: 15 January 2026

Accepted after revision: 05 February 2026

Accepted Manuscript online:
05 February 2026

Article published online:
17 February 2026

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