An expedient synthesis of diversified pyrrolizines and indolizines

A general and rapid synthesis of new families of pyrrolizines and indolizines in good overall yields via an intramolecular [3+2] cycloaddition reaction is described. Diversity of substitutions can be achieved by the appropriate choice of readily available starting materials. The experimental procedures are straightforward and are performed under neutral conditions. New syntheses are also described for the preparation of N-propargylic 2-amino-benzaldehydes and S-propargylic 2-thiobenzaldehydes.