Synthesis of Azetidines through an Oxidative Cyclization

Significance

This work describes the synthesis of azetidines through an oxidative hypervalent ­iodine mediated cyclization of Michael adducts. Azetidines are an important class of heterocycles commonly found in natural products and drug targets (see Review below). This work follows the group’s earlier reports on similar cyclizations yielding other heterocycles. The scope of aromatic substituents is general and the products are obtained in good overall yield and high diastereo­selectivity.