Effective ring-opening reaction of aziridines with trimethylsilyl compounds:: A facile access to β-amino acids and 1,2-diamine derivatives

Ring-opening reactions of aziridines with trimethylsilyl compounds triggered by tetrabutylammonium fluoride give the corresponding products regioselectively in excellent yield. It provides a facile and efficient procedure for the ring-opening reactions of aziridines and affords a practical access to the synthesis of cyano-, azido-, or chloroamines because of its efficiency and simplicity. The products are easily transformed to vicinal diamines or beta-amino acids.