SYNTHESIS AND CHEMISTRY OF SUBSTITUTED 1-AZABICYCLO[1.1.0]BUTANES

Methods for preparing substituted 1-azabicyclo[1.1.0] butanes are revi ewed, and their potential usefulness as intermediates in organic synth esis is assessed. Particularly important synthetic applications of 1-a zabicyclo[1.1.0]butanes include: (i) their use as synthons in connecti on with the preparation of a wide range of 3-substituted azetidines, i ncluding natural products which contain a 3-substituted azetidine moie ty; (ii) the use of 1-azabicyclo[1.1.0]butane and of 3-(bromomethyl)-1 -azabicyclo[1.1.0]butane as key intermediates in newly-developed synth eses of 1,3,3-trinitroazetidine (TNAZ); (iii) their use as convenient intermediates for the preparation of N,3-disubstituted 2-azetines; (iv ) their use as starting reagents for the preparation of new polymeric and/or oligomeric materials.