Aziridination of γ,δ-dibromoethyl-2-pentenoate with primary amines: extension of the Gabriel–Cromwell reaction

Ethyl (E)-4,5-dibromo-2-pentenoate readily reacts with an assortment of primary amines in the presence of DBU to afford the corresponding conjugated aziridines in good to moderate yields. That the reaction is compatible with a nucleoside-derived amine suggests a broad scope of application.