Preparation of 3‐azetidinols with non‐bulky 1‐alkyl substituents

Cyclization of either the tetrahydropyranyl or trimethylsilyl ether of 1‐(alkylamino)‐3‐chloro‐2‐propanols 1 followed by cleavage of the azetidinyl ether provides a general method for the preparation of 1‐alkyl‐3‐azetidinols. Unhindered amines provide a more facile preparation of derivatives of 1, or its ethers, than do hindered amines, while hindered derivatives of 1 undergo more facile ring closure.