A new route to bicyclo[1.1.1]pentan-1-amine from 1-azido-3-iodobicyclo[1.1.1]pentane.

From a medicinal chemistry perspective, bicyclo[1.1.1]pentan-1-amine (1) has served as a unique and important moiety. Synthetically, however, this compound has received little attention, and only one scalable route to this amine has been demonstrated. Reduction of an easily available and potentially versatile intermediate, 1-azido-3-iodobicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (2), can offer both a flexible and scalable alternative to this target. Herein, we describe our scrutiny of this reportedly elusive transformation and report our ensuing success with this endeavor.