Neighbouring group participation in N-Methoxymethyl 7-Azanorbornanes 1

<p dir="ltr">A new tandem route to <i>N,N′</i>-methano-bridged diazasesquinorbornanes is reported in which 7-azabenzonorbornadienes are reacted with ester-activated <i>N</i>-(methoxymethyl)aziridinocyclobutanes to form adducts which immediately undergo <i>N,N′</i>-methanobridge formation by nucleophilic attack of the nitrogen lone pair of one <i>N</i>-bridge onto the methoxymethyl group attached to the adjacent <i>N</i>-bridge. Alternative routes to <i>N,N′</i>-methano-bridged structures of this type are discussed.</p>