Stereospecificity Beckmann rearrangement

Both oximes (10) and their ester (11) or ether derivatives can be used in the classical Beckmann rearrangement and the reaction usually proceeds under acidic or neutral conditions (although basic conditions may also be used). In sharp contrast, only 0-oxime esters can be used as starting materials for the Neber rearrangement and basic conditions are always necessary. The Neber rearrangement is not stereospecific, as the stereochemistry of the starting material E or Z) does not influence the outcome of the reaction. In... 

Several pathways may be possible for the Beckmann fragmentation reaction (equations 68 and 69). Stepwise processes may occur (equation 68), but stereospecific concerted fragmentations are also common (equation 69). Stepwise processes may follow different routes, but in most cases the fragmentation may have the same intermediate as the Beckmann rearrangement the nitrilium ion. 

The Beckmann rearrangement of oxime esters is catalysed by Brpnsted or Lewis acids and these conversions are usually non-stereospecific, as demonstrated by the studies of Beckmann rearrangement of 1-indanone oximes derivatives 240a with aluminium chloride as a catalyst " (equation 88). 

The Beckmann rearrangement proceeds through a transition state represented by structure (59) in equation (27). Thus, the organoaluminum-catalyzed protocol presents an opportunity to convert a ketone regiospecifically and stereospecifically into a chain-extended amino substrate. 

A transannular route to 1-substituted pyrrolizidines has recently been reported by Wilson and Sawicki. The lactam (79) was prepared by Beckmann rearrangement of the oxime p-toluenesulfonate of cyclohept-4-enone. Reduction with lithium aluminum hydride gave the amine (80), which on treatment with bromine yielded the 1-bromopyrrolizidine (81) in one stereospecific step (95%). The stereochemistry of the product corresponds to a disfavored exo-mode of cyclization by attack of the nitrogen on the bromonium ion. Further modification of this route to produce naturally occurring alkaloids would appear feasible, but has not yet been reported. 

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