Synthesis of electron-poor 4-halo-2-azabuta-1,3-dienes by Rh(II)-catalyzed diazo ester–azirine coupling. 2-Azabuta-1,3-diene-2,3-dihydroazete valence isomerism

The Rh2(OAc)4-catalyzed reaction of alkyl 2-acyl-2-diazoacetates and dimethyl diazomalonate with methyl 2-bromo- and 2-chloro-3-phenyl-2H-azirine-2-carboxylates gives rise to electron-poor 4-halo-substituted (3E)-2-azabuta-1,3-dienes. Their formation proceeds with complete stereoselectivity via ring-opening of the intermediate azirinium ylide. 2-Azabuta-1,3-dienes with electron-withdrawing substituents at the 1,1,4-positions are stable compounds at room temperature, but are in equilibrium with cyclic valence isomers, 2,3-dihydroazetes, at elevated temperatures.