Synthesis of 3-functionalized 3-methylazetidines

1-t-Butyl- and 1-(4-methylbenzyl)-3-bromo-3-methylazetidines were prepared from the corresponding N-(2,3-dibromo-2-methylpropylidene)alkylamines and their propensity to undergo nucleophilic substitution at the 3-position by different nucleophiles was assessed, providing a convenient access to novel 3-alkoxy-, 3-aryloxy-, 3-hydroxy-, 3-cyano-, 3-carboxy-, 3-(aminomethyl)- and 3-(hydroxymethyl)azetidines.