A simple synthetic route to access
racemic 3,3-disubstituted propylamines
in excellent yields (up to 95%) via Lewis acid catalyzed SN2-type ring opening of activated azetidines with electron-rich arenes
and heteroarenes under mild conditions has been accomplished. The
methodology is efficiently used for the racemic synthesis of an antimuscarinic
drug, tolterodine, in four steps in 47% overall yield.