Zirconocene η2-imine complexes formed by a C H activation route from a variety of amines are trapped by ω-halo-alkenes or-alkynes to afford 2, 3-disubstituited pyrrolidines, piperidines and perhydroazepines on work up and cyclisation. In some cases it was necessary to use a protected hydroxyl group rather than the halide and cyclise in a separate step through selective formation of the O-mesylate.
