The effect of the halogen on the rate of sodium amide induced cyclization of 2-haloprop-2-enylamines to methyleneaziridines is studied. Using DFT calculations and competition experiments, it is shown to proceed faster using iodide-based substrates. A practical route to 1-aryl-2-methyleneaziridines is devised based on these observations and their further rearrangement to cyclopropanimines explored.
Key words
aziridines - cyclization - aminocyclopropanes - DFT calculations - vinylic S
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