The Michael addition-elimination of ylides to alpha,beta-unsaturated imines. Highly stereoselective synthesis of vinylcyclopropanecarbaldehydes and vinylcyclopropylaziridines.

The Michael addition-elimination of ylide to alpha,beta-unsaturated imines leads to a highly diastereoselective and enantioselective synthesis of vinylcyclopropanecarbaldehydes in good to high yields for the first time. A sequential cyclopropanation-aziridination protocol for the preparation of cyclopropylaziridines is also developed with good diastereoselectivity in good to high yields.