Synthesis of 3-aminopyrrolidines by cyclization of neutral C-centered α-aminoalkyl radicals

3-Aminopyrrolidines are prepared by SmI2-promoted cyclization of neutral α-aminoalkyl radicals generated from N-(α-benzotriazolyl)alkenylamines. Appropriate manipulation of the two N-protecting groups allows further manipulation of the products, which is exemplified with the preparation of a triamide derivative.