Synthesis of functionalised piperidines through a [3+3] cycloaddition strategy

A novel approach to functionalised piperidines is described through a [3+3] cycloaddition reaction of aziridines with Pd-trimethylenemethane complexes . Importantly, the employment of enantiomerically pure aziridines (prepared in three steps from the appropriate amino acids) allows the corresponding piperidines to be furnished in enantiomerically pure form. Additionally, th e application of this technique in the total synthesis of (-)-pseudoconhydr ine is described.