The First Example of Catalytic Aziridination Mediated by Arsonium Ylides: Preparation of transPentafluorophenyl-Containing Aziridines

Triphenylarsine catalyzes the formation of aziridines from tosyl imines and aromatic diazo compounds in a one-pot reaction. It is the first example of catalytic aziridination mediated by arsonium ylides. It gave aziridines in excellent diastereoselectivity with pentafluorophenyl diazomethane as the substrate. This catalytic reaction is complementary with the reaction mediated by sulfur ylides.