Synthesis of functionalized amino epoxides by a three-component coupling involving aziridines, arynes and aldehydes.

A transition-metal-free three-component coupling involving N-substituted aziridines, arynes and aldehydes resulting in the formation of trisubstituted N-aryl α-amino epoxides has been demonstrated. The reaction likely proceeds via the highly strained cyclic nitrogen ylide intermediates generated from aziridines and arynes.