10.1021/jo981735d
The research explores a new reaction sequence involving the formation of R-aminoalkyl radicals, their addition to unactivated double bonds, reduction to carbanions, and subsequent trapping by electrophiles to synthesize pyrrolidines with functional groups at C-3. The study highlights the significance of constructing carbon-carbon bonds adjacent to nitrogen for synthesizing biologically important nitrogen-containing compounds. Key chemicals involved in this research include N-(R-aminobutyl)benzotriazole, which is prepared from the condensation of a secondary amine, butyraldehyde, and benzotriazole. This compound serves as the precursor for the radical intermediates. SmI2 (samarium diiodide) plays a crucial role in the reduction steps, facilitating the transformation of radicals to carbanions. Various electrophiles such as water, methyl alcohol-d, ketones, aldehydes, iodine, and isopropyl isocyanate are used to trap the carbanions, yielding different pyrrolidine derivatives. The research demonstrates the potential of this novel tandem cyclization strategy for the synthesis of alkaloids and other nitrogen-containing heterocycles.