HFIP-promoted strain-release rearrangement/N-functionalization of azabicyclo1.1.0butanes with para-quinone methides for the synthesis of azetidines

Key Points

• The aim is to establish a metal-free method for synthesizing N-alkyl-substituted azetidines using azabicyclo[1.1.0]butanes and para-quinone methides.
• Utilized a dual activation approach with HFIP for rearrangement and N-alkylation.
• Focused on strain-release-driven rearrangement of ABBs with p-QMs.
• Employed a metal-free and atom-economic methodology.
• Successfully synthesized N-alkyl-substituted azetidines with high efficiency.
• Demonstrated significant strain release contributing to the reaction's success.