Preparation of Vinylcyclopropanes by Sodium Mediated Reductive Isomerization of Methylenecyclopropanes

J Org Chem. 2015 Sep 4;80(17):8821-9. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.5b01205. Epub 2015 Aug 24.

Abstract

We disclosed therein a new reaction of reductive isomerization of methylenecyclopropanes (MCPs) to vinylcyclopropanes (VCPs). On treatment with sodium metal in liquid ammonia, MCPs bearing a C-O bond at allylic position undergo both a reductive cleavage of the C-O bond and an isomerization of the C-C double bond giving rise to VCPs. The scope of the reductive isomerization was investigated and showed a broad applicability since various functional groups are tolerated. MCP substrates were straightforwardly prepared by a palladium-promoted [2 + 1] cycloaddition between norbornene derivatives with alkynes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't