Stereocontrolled approach to 1-azabicyclo[4.1.0]heptanes: application to the synthesis of trans-2,6-disubstituted piperidines

Stereocontrolled synthesis of a 1-azabicyclo[4.1.0]heptane is achieved by formation of an NH aziridine from the corresponding 1,2-azido alcohol and subsequent intramolecular conjugate addition onto a tethered α,β-unsaturated ester. Regioselective ring opening of the product at C-7 by heteroatom based nucleophiles yields trans-2,6-disubstituted piperidines in moderate to good yields.