Generation and reaction of carbenes from alpha-oxacyclo-N-aziridinyl imines - A new method for ring expansion of cyclic ethers

Abstract

alpha-Oxetanyl-N-aziridinyl imines undergo ring expansion on heating to afford dihydrofurans via alkylidenecarbenes, whereas heating alpha-tetrahydrofuranyl and alpha-tetrahydropyranyl N-aziridinyl imines affords the ring expanded cyclic enol ethers via alkyl carbenes.