Generation of Aza-<i>o</i><i>rtho</i>-xylylenes via Ring Opening of 2-(2-Acylaminophenyl)aziridines: Application in the Construction of the Communesin Ring System

Abstract

A new protocol for generating aza-ortho-xylylenes via acid-catalyzed or fluoride-promoted ring opening of 2-(2-acylaminophenyl)aziridines is described. This methodology has been exploited in the rapid construction of a hexacyclic substructure of communesin B.