An efficient one-pot synthesis of pyrrolines and tetrahydropyridines from their chloro-precursors via in situ aza-Wittig reaction

A simple and efficient method for synthesizing pyrrolines and tetrahydropyridines via an intramolecular aza-Wittig reaction has been achieved by microwave irradiation of the corresponding chloro-alkane derivatives in the presence of tertiary phosphite and sodium azide. The in situ formation of the alkyl azides makes this a facile and safe method for aza-Wittig reactions. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.