Naturally occurring α-amino acid: a simple and inexpensive catalyst for the selective synthesis of 5-aryl-2-oxazolidinones from CO2 and aziridines under solvent-free conditions

Naturally occurring a-amino acid successfully catalyzed cycloaddition of aziridine with carbon dioxide to afford 5-aryl-2-oxazolisinones under mild conditions without the need of any additives. The scope of this reaction is very general, providing the corresponding products in good yields and excellent regioselectivity (87:13-100:0) regardless of the a-amino acid examined and a wide variety of N-substituted aziridines employed. Two possible reaction pathways for the reaction were also discussed. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd.