3-Bromo-propenyl acetate in organic synthesis: an expeditious route to 3-alkyl-4-acetoxy-5-iodomethyl isoxazolidines

N-Trimethylsilyloxy-N-benzyl-1-alkyl-2-acetoxy-3-buten-1-amines 13, obtained in good yields and moderate diastereoselectivities by TMSOTf promoted α-acetoxyallylation of nitrones using metallic zinc and 3-bromo-propenyl acetate 11, are exploited in a stereospecific 5-exo-trig iodocyclization reaction to afford 4,5-cis-3-alkyl-4-acetoxy-5-iodomethyl isoxazolidines 14, promising starting materials for the synthesis of pyrrolidine azasugars.