Synthesis of quaternary allylammonium salts via ring opening of 1-benzyl-2-(bromomethyl)aziridines

Treatment of 1-benzyl-2-(bromomethyl)aziridine, and some aryl substituted analogues, with an excess of iodomethane resulted in N-allyl-N-benzyl-N,N-dimethylammonium salts, in good yields. These quaternary allylammonium salts are of importance in different fields, from organic synthesis and polymeric chemistry to agricultural use.