The synthesis of a 2-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane by rearrangement of a spirocyclic epoxide

An unusual rearrangement of a 1-oxa-6-azaspiro[2.5]octane derivative giving access to novel 5-substituted 2-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes is described. The synthetic application of the reaction is demonstrated by the synthesis of N-Boc-2,3-methano-β-proline. The amino acid was prepared through a three-step synthesis from easily available reagents in an overall yield of 15%.