Generation of aza-ortho-xylylenes via ring opening of 2-(2-acylaminophenyl)aziridines: application in the construction of the communesin ring system.

A new protocol for generating aza-ortho-xylylenes via acid-catalyzed or fluoride-promoted ring opening of 2-(2-acylaminophenyl)aziridines is described. This methodology has been exploited in the rapid construction of a hexacyclic substructure of communesin B.