Three-component reaction of small-ring cyclic amines with arynes and acetonitrile

Abstract

A novel stereospecific three-component reaction of aziridines and azetidines with arynes and acetonitrile has been developed. The reaction affords N-aryl γ-aminobutyronitriles and δ-aminovaleronitriles that can be used as precursors and congeners of a number of bioactive compounds, such as pregabalin and lergotrile.