Synlett 2012; 23(9): 1267-1270
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1290977
synpacts
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Atom-Economical C2 + N1 Aziridination: Progress towards Catalytic Intermolecular Reactions Using Alkenes and Aryl Azides

David M. Jenkins*
Department of Chemistry, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-1600, USA, Fax: +1(865)9749332   Email: jenkins@ion.chem.utk.edu
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 29 February 2012

Accepted: 21 March 2012

Publication Date:
04 May 2012 (online)


Abstract

The direct synthesis of aziridines from alkenes and a nitrene source with the correct functionality on the nitrogen atom has remained an elusive goal in synthetic chemistry. Ruthenium, cobalt, and iron porphyrin complexes have been demonstrated to catalyze the formation of aziridines from electron-withdrawing aryl azides and a limited selection of conjugated alkenes. Our group is expanding the scope of catalytic aziridination to include electron-donating aryl azides and aliphatic alkenes through the use of a novel tetracarbene iron catalyst.