Robust synthesis of N-sulfonylazetidine building blocks via ring contraction of α-bromo N-sulfonylpyrrolidinones

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/ol5029496

A simple and robust one-pot nucleophilic addition-ring contraction of α-bromo N-sulfonylpyrrolidinones has been achieved toward α-carbonylated N-sulfonylazetidines. In the presence of potassium carbonate, various nucleophiles, such as alcohols, phenols or anilines, have been efficiently incorporated into the azetidine derivatives. Moreover, the α-bromopyrrolidinone precursors could be selectively obtained in good yields by monobromination of cheap and easily available N-sulfonyl-2-pyrrolidinone derivatives.