A novel method for synthesizing 3-arylpyrrolidine and 4-arylpiperidine derivatives through an acid-promoted skeletal rearrangement

A novel method for synthesizing 3-arylpyrrolidine and 4-arylpiperidine derivatives through an acid-promoted skeletal rearrangement is described. Using trifluoroacetic acid as the acid promoter, an intramolecular ipso-Friedel–Crafts-type addition of phenols to allyl cations, formation of iminium cations through rearomatization of the spirocyclohexadienone units, and an intramolecular aza-Prins reaction, proceeded sequentially to afford 3-arylpyrrolidine and 4-arylpiperidine derivatives in good yield with high diastereoselectivity.