Metallic Base-Induced Cycloadditions of N-(1-Cyanoalkyl)imines via N-Metalated Azomethine Ylides: Enhanced Reactivity and High Regio- and Stereoselectivity

Lithiation of N-(1-cyanoalkyl)imines with LDA generates new N-lithiated azomethine ylide 1,3-dipoles which show enhanced reactivity toward dipolarophiles. They undergo exclusively regio- and stereoselective 3+2 cycloaddition reaction with α,β-unsaturated esters to give 1-pyrrolines after the elimination of LiCN. Metallic bases other than LDA can be also effective. Such high regio- and stereoselectivity is explained by the involvement of N-metalated azomethine ylides.