Reactions of cyclopropanone acetals with alkyl azides: carbonyl addition versus ring-opening pathways

J Org Chem. 2007 Dec 7;72(25):9439-47. doi: 10.1021/jo0711034. Epub 2007 Nov 7.

Abstract

The Lewis acid-mediated reactions of substituted cyclopropanone acetals with alkyl azides were found to strongly depend on the structure of the ketone component. When cyclopropanone acetal was treated with alkyl azides, N-substituted 2-azetidinones and ethyl carbamate products were obtained, arising from azide addition to the carbonyl, followed by ring expansion or rearrangement, respectively. When 2,2-dimethylcyclopropanone acetals were reacted with azides in the presence of BF3.OEt2, the products obtained were alpha-amino-alpha'-diazomethyl ketones, which arose from C2-C3 bond cleavage of the corresponding cyclopropanone, giving oxyallyl cations that were captured by azides. Aryl-substituted cyclopropanone acetals, when subjected to these conditions, afforded [1,2,3]oxaborazoles exclusively, which were also the result of C2-C3 bond rupture, azide capture, and then loss of nitrogen. In the reactions of n-hexyl-substituted cyclopropanone acetals with alkyl azides, a mixture of 2-azetidinones and regioisomeric [1,2,3]oxaborazoles was obtained. The reasons for the different behavior of the various systems are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetals / chemistry*
  • Azides / chemistry*
  • Cyclopropanes / chemistry*
  • Ketones / chemical synthesis
  • Ketones / chemistry
  • Models, Chemical
  • Molecular Structure
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Acetals
  • Azides
  • Cyclopropanes
  • Ketones