Two-step syntheses of 2,4,6-triisopropylbenzenesulfonyl aziridines

In a continuing study on the α-lithiation of N-tosyl aziridines, it is reported that ortho-lithiation of the N-tosyl group is occurring under typical α-lithiation conditions (s-BuLi/PMDETA). Thus, a simple, two-step synthesis of N-2,4,6-triisopropylbenzenesulfonyl aziridines was optimised. The route involves epoxide ring opening using a sulfonamide, mesylation and base-mediated ring closure. The scope and limitations of this route were assessed and five new N-2,4,6-triisopropylbenzenesulfonyl aziridines were prepared in good yields. Since this method was unsuitable for the preparation of cyclooctene aziridine, an alternative two-step method was developed. This method involved aminobromination of cyclooctene using NBS/2,4,6-triisopropylbenzenesulfonamide.