Asymmetric Neber Reaction in the Synthesis of Chiral 2-(Tetrazol-5-yl)-2H-Azirines

Abstract

A successful one-pot methodology for the synthesis of chiral 2-tetrazolyl-2H-azirines has been established, resorting to organocatalysis. The protocol involves the in situ tosylation of β-ketoxime-1H-tetrazoles followed by the Neber reaction, in the presence of chiral organocatalysts. Among the organocatalysts studied a novel thiourea catalyst derived from 6β-aminopenicillanic acid afforded excellent enantioselectivities.