A new route towards N-(α-methoxybenzyl)aziridines

A new synthesis of N-(α-methoxyarylmethyl)-2,2-dimethylaziridines is presented. Different benzaldehydes were converted into the corresponding imines upon reaction with 2-bromo-2-methylpropylamine. Treatment of the latter imines with sodium methoxide afforded N-(α-methoxyarylmethyl)-2,2-dimethylaziridines in good yields.