Wenker-Synthesis

This reaction sequence allows the preparation of aziridines from 1,2-amino alcohols.

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Mechanism of the Wenker Synthesis

After preparation of sulphonate salt, a second deprotonation step effects the ring closure:

Recent Literature

An Improved and Mild Wenker Synthesis of Aziridines
X. Li, N. Chen, J. Xu, Synthesis, 2010, 3315-3318.

Synthesis of N-H vinylaziridines: a comparative study
B. Olofsson, R. Wijtmans, P. Somfai, Tetrahedron, 2002, 58, 5979-5982.

Short and Efficient Synthesis of Optically Active N-Tosyl Aziridines from 2-Amino Alcohols
L. W. Bieber, M. C. F. de Araujo, Molecules, 2002, 7, 902.