10.1002/ejoc.200901415
The study focuses on the diastereoselective aza-Baylis–Hillman reactions of allenic esters with activated N-sulfonylimines, using DABCO as a catalyst, to synthesize chiral α-allenylamines and 2-azetines. The research explores the reactivity of allenic esters with various N-arylidenebenzenesulfonamides, leading to the formation of optically active products. It was found that the reaction's outcome could be controlled by adjusting the reaction conditions or the electronic properties of the imine reactants. The study also discusses the potential of these synthesized chiral α-allenylamines as building blocks for the synthesis of chiral pyrrolines and pyrroles, as well as the unique reactivity of strained cyclic enamines like 2-azetines. The results include the synthesis of both acyclic and cyclic derivatives, highlighting the versatility of the methodology for constructing molecular frameworks and the generation of functional groups, which aligns with atom economy principles.