Cyclopropane formation by copper-catalysed indirect electroreductive coupling of activated olefins and activated α,α,α-trichloro or gem-dichloro compounds

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-2002-20969

Cyclopropanes have been prepared in good yields by indirect electroreductive coupling of activated olefins and activated α,α,α-trichloro or gem-dichloro compounds (Cl₃CCO₂Me, PhCCl₃, Ph₂CCl₂, PhCHCl₂). This process, using a copper complex in catalytic amountss is convenient for the reagent couple activated olefin/activated polyhalide, whatever the reduction potential of each reagent relative to each other. The main advantage of our electrochemical process is that it does not require the use of hazardous, toxic, or not easily prepared reagents like diazocompounds or diazirines.