Reports a method to convert cyclic ethers to nitrogen-containing heterocycles, suggesting a new route for functionalization.
The functionalization of cyclic ethers has received significant attention; however, the skeletal editing of cyclic ethers via O-to-N exchange remains challenging. Herein, we report a R₃P/ICH₂CH₂I-promoted O-to-N exchange of cyclic ethers. This strategy enables the direct conversion of widely available cyclic ethers─such as tetrahydrofuran and 1,4-dioxane─into nitrogen-containing heterocycles, structural motifs commonly found in biologically active molecules. The method exhibits broad compatibility with secondary and tertiary amines, delivering the corresponding products in moderate to good yields.
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Zhang et al. (2026) studied this question.
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