The activation of aziridines is typically a substrate-controlled process, where the
regioselectivity of C–N bond cleavage is strongly influenced by the substitution pattern
on the aziridine ring. Recently, our group developed a dynamic kinetic protocol that
enables a catalyst-controlled activation strategy for aziridines. This article first
provides a brief overview of existing methods for aziridine activation and then focuses
on the development of a radical–polar crossover (4+3) cycloaddition between aziridines
and 2-substituted 1,3-dienes, which is made possible through this dynamic kinetic
activation approach.
Keywords
Aziridines ring-opening reaction - Dynamic kinetic activation - Cycloaddition - Radical–polar
crossover
