An efficient synthesis of 3-alkyl-1,5,3-dioxazepanes and their use as electrophiles in double-Mannich reactions

An efficient synthesis of 3-alkyl 1,5,3-dioxazepanes was developed for subsequent use in double-Mannich reactions with a variety of carbon-based nucleophiles. It was found that addition of methyltrichlorosilane to the dioxazepane led to a long-lasting reactive species that reacted rapidly with acid-sensitive ketones and β-ketoesters to afford azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes in good yield.