Catalytic aziridination of alkenes using microporous materials

Copper exchanged zeolite Y is shown to be an efficient catalyst for the aziridination of alkenes employing (N-(p-tolylsulfonyl)imino)phenyliodinane PhI=NTs, as the nitrogen source. GRAPHICS In contrast to many homogeneous aziridinations high yields can be achieved without the use of an excess of alkene. We have shown that the reaction is truly heterogeneous by recycling the catalyst and by demonstrating the size-specificity of the zeolite. Water is found to act as an inhibitor and therefore dry solvents and reagents are required. Deactivation caused by water is easily reversed by a simple drying procedure prior to reuse of the catalyst.