PhIO/Bu4NI mediated oxidative cyclization of amidoalkylation adducts for the synthesis of N-benzoyl aziridines and oxazolines

An efficient oxidative cyclization of amidoalkylation adducts of activated methylene compounds with the combination of iodosobenzene and a catalytic amount of tetrabutylammonium iodide under neutral conditions is reported. The reaction affords N-benzoyl aziridines or oxazolines in moderate to excellent yields.