Multicomponent cis- and trans-Aziridinatons in the Syntheses of All Four Stereoisomers of Sphinganine.

All four stereoisomers of sphinganine can be synthesized by a multicomponent aziridination of an aldehyde, an amine and an α-diazo carbonyl compound mediated by a BOROX catalyst with high asymmetric induction (≥96% ee). The threo isomers are available from ring-opening of cis-aziridines by an oxygen nucleophile with inversion at the C-3 position and the erythro-isomers are likewise available from trans-aziridines.