From anilines to aziridines : A two-step synthesis under continuous-flow conditions

The Sandmeyer reaction of anilines to generate aryl azides, followed by the Ru(porphyrin)CO-catalyzed addition to styrenes affording N-aryl aziridines was successfully performed for the first time in mesoreactors, under continuous-flow conditions. Mesofluidic technology allowed for a rapid screening of different parameters and a quick identification of the optimized reaction conditions for the two separate steps. The two optimized reactions were then combined in a single continuous process that allowed a safe and efficient synthesis of N-arylaziridines from convenient commercially available starting materials.