US Patent 7662969 Efficient aziridination of olefins catalyzed by dirhodium catalysts

This invention relates to compositions and methods for achieving the efficient aziridination of organic molecules, especially olefins. More specifically, the invention is directed to a mild, selective, and efficient aziridination protocol that involves catalysis by a mixed-valent dirhodium(II,III) catalyst (Rh25+). Especially preferred sources for forming such mixed-valent dirhodium(II,III) catalyst (Rh25+) are dirhodium(II) carboxamidates, such as dirhodium(II) caprolactamate, and their derivatives and analogues.