Recent advances in the application of contiguously functionalized aziridines for the synthesis of pharmaceutical precursors via regioselective ring-opening reactions

Abstract

Contiguously functionalized aziridines, including epoxyaziridines, bisaziridines, and cyclopropylaziridines, are valuable intermediates in the synthesis of medicinally relevant compounds owing to their distinctive reactivity and structural versatility. This review explores strategic routes for the synthesis and application of these three-membered (hetero)cyclic systems, highlighting how their regioselective ring-opening reactions (RORs) facilitate the formation of diverse nitrogen-containing scaffolds. By focusing on the design and functionalization of contiguous aziridines, we demonstrated their utility in constructing complex chiral frameworks and bioactive moieties, such as those found in antibiotics, antifungal agents, and other pharmacologically significant molecules. The unique reactivity of aziridine-based systems enables selective transformations that enhance both synthetic efficiency and stereocontrol, offering flexible pathways for the development of therapeutically relevant compounds. This review emphasizes the recent advancements in the regioselective functionalization of aziridine-based (hetero)cycles, underscoring their potential to drive innovation in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.