Inverse electron-demand aza-[4+2] cycloaddition reactions of allenamides

An inverse electron-demand aza-[4+2] cycloaddition reaction of allenamides with 1-azadiene is described here. Effects of solvents on diastereoselectivity along with synthetic scopes and mechanistic insights are illustrated. Despite some synthetic limitations, this aza-[4+2] cycloaddition does provide a useful template for the synthesis of aza-glycoside related heterocycles. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.