Synthesis of Cyclopentylamines using Zirconium Chemistry

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(00)76242-3

Insertion of alkyl or trialkylsilyl isocyanides into zirconacyclopentanes gives iminoacyl complexes which rearrange to zirconocene η²-imine complexes on heating.These may insert alkynes to give 1-vinyl-1-cyclopentylamines on work up, or decomplex the zirconium to afford, after hydrolysis, cyclopentanones.With benzyl isocyanide 1,2-migration of the η²-imine complexes occurs before quenching.