An approach to preparation of trans-DHQs via ring-opening of meso-N-sulfonylaziridines

As an approach to the enantioselective synthesis of trans-decahydroquinolines (DHQs), desymmetrization of meso-aziridine (5) with various carbon nucleophiles under catalytic conditions was investigated. By applying TMSCN in the presence of YbCl3 and chiral non-racemic ligands, nitrile 13 was obtained with an ee up to 40%. Nitrile 13 was a key intermediate in a novel route to trans-DHQs.