Diethylzinc was tested for the first time as the Lewis acid in 1,3-dipolar
cycloaddition reactions of azomethine ylides to synthesize pyrrolidine deri
vatives. A new, easily applicable and highly selective method was developed
for the synthesis of highly substituted pyrrolidines. By the application o
f this method, the synthesis of three new pyrrolidine derivatives was achie
ved.