Preparation of trans-2-Substituted-4-halopiperidines and cis-2-Substituted-4-halotetrahydropyrans via AlCl3‑Catalyzed Prins Reaction

A general and practical method for the preparation of trans-2-substituted-4-halopiperidines and cis-2-substituted-4-halotetrahydropyrans is reported. Using 5 mol % of AlCl3 as the catalyst and 2 equiv of trimethylsilyl halides as the halide sources, aza-Prins cyclization of N-tosyl homoallylamine or Prins cyclization of homoallylic alcohol with carbonyl compounds could be readily realized, giving the corresponding trans-2-substituted-4-halopiperidines or cis-2-substituted-4-halotetrahydropyrans in high yields and satisfactory diastereoselectivity.