Stereoselective Synthesis of Azetidines and Pyrrolidines from N-tert-Butylsulfonyl(2-aminoalkyl)oxiranes.

Base-induced cyclization of enantiopure (2-aminoalkyl)oxiranes allowed the stereospecific formation of pyrrolidin-3-ols and/or 2-(hydroxymethyl)azetidines, depending on the reaction conditions. The oxidation of 2-(hydroxymethyl)azetidines led to azetidine-2-carboxylic acids in high yields.