Direct <i>N</i>-Me Aziridination of Enones

Abstract

The first direct general method for <i>N-</i>Me aziridination of electron-deficient olefins, enones, is described using <i>N</i>-methyl-<i>O</i>-tosylhydroxylamine as the aminating agent in the presence of a Cu(OTf)₂ catalyst. The aziridination of vinyl ketones, hitherto unknown for <i>N</i>-Me as well as <i>N</i>-H, has been achieved efficiently. The open-flask reaction is stereospecific, operationally simple, and additive-free. It also efficiently affords <i>N</i>-H aziridinated products under a similar reaction condition.