PEG₄₀₀-enhanced synthesis of gem-dichloroaziridines and gem-dichlorocyclopropanes via in situ generated dichlorocarbene

PEG₄₀₀ is employed as an efficient phase transfer catalyst for the cycloaddition reaction of imines with dichlorocarbene, which is generated in situ from chloroform and sodium hydroxide, to give gem-dichloroaziridines in moderate to excellent yields at ambient temperature. This protocol is also extended to the synthesis of cyclopropanes from a variety of alkenes. In this study, PEG₄₀₀ behaves as a phase transfer reagent thanks to its ability to coordinate with alkali metal cations. Notably, the one-pot synthesis of gem-dichloroaziridines from benzaldehyde and aromatic amines has also been successfully performed. The in situ generated acid, derived from CO₂ and H₂O, can also be effectively applied to promote the amide synthesis via the gem-dichloroaziridine pathway. The application of the gem-dichlorocyclopropane as a platform chemical is also briefly demonstrated, to afford the 2-phenylacrylaldehyde derivative via a ring-opening reaction.