Notable coordination effects of 2-pyridinesulfonamides leading to efficient aziridination and selective aziridine ring opening

We have developed, on the basis of a chelation-strategy, an efficient copper-catalyzed aziridination protocol with the use of 5-methyl-2-pyridinesulfonamide and Phl(OAc)(2). The reaction proceeds smoothly under mild conditions to give aziridines in moderate to good yields in the absence of external ligands or bases. The coordination-assisted approach offers the additional benefits that efficient deprotection of the N-substituent and selective aziridine ring-opening are effectively achieved.