Synthesis, Characterization, and Structure of a [Cu(phen)2(OTf)]OTf Complex: An Efficient Nitrogen Transfer Pre-catalyst

Aziridines are valued as important building blocks for the synthesis of a wide range of active compounds. The development of efficient, cost effective catalysts for nitrene transfer reactions to olefins is a continuing area of research in modern chemistry. There are a number of transition metal complexes that are known to catalyse the aziridination of olefins, however most require expensive transition metal ions. Herein we report our efforts to generate aziridines using a copper(II) complex that offers high efficiency at forming aziridines from olefins and N-transfer agents.