Formation of epoxides and N-arylaziridines via a simple Mg-Barbier reaction in DMF

The Mg-activation of benzal bromide 2b in DMF in the presence of carbonyl compounds 1 or imines 4 leads to epoxides 3 and N-arylaziridines 5, respectively, with acceptable isolated yields. It was found that DMF is likely involved in this process to form a nucleophilic intermediate by reaction with a first generated electrophilic carbene. Results obtained in this chemical approach are compared to those obtained using electrochemical activation, also in DMF.