Directed Nickel-Catalyzed Negishi Cross Coupling of Alkyl Aziridines

Herein we report a nickel-catalyzed C-C bond-forming reaction between simple alkyl aziridines and organozinc reagents. This method represents the first catalytic cross-coupling reaction employing a nonallylic and nonbenzylic C-sp3-N bond as an electrophile. Key to its success is the use of a new N-protecting group (cinsyl or Cn) bearing an electron-deficient olefin that directs oxidative addition and facilitates reductive elimination. Studies pertinent to elucidation of the mechanism of cross coupling are also presented.