A new and simple method for the synthesis of highly functionalised pyrrolizidines, indolizidines and pyrroloazepines

The reaction of 5-, 6- and 7-membered cyclic thioimidates with cyclopropenones gives access to highly functionalised pyrrolizidines, indolizidines and pyrroloazepines via a formal [3+2] cycloaddition process.

Cyclopropenones react with cyclic thioimidates to give indolizidine and pyrrolizidine heterocycles.