FROM TARTARIC ACID TO THE MOST BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE INSECTICIDES Straightforward Enantioselective Synthesis of Pyrethins

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4039(88)85340-1

Isopropylidenetriphenylphosphorane reacts with γ-alkoxy α,β-unsaturated esters and produces γ-alkoxy cyclopropane carboxylates.The stereochemistry of the carbon-carbon double bond in the ester has a great influence on the stereo-chemistry of the resulting cyclopropane derivative.This reaction has been successfully used for synthesis of chrysanthemic acid from diester 2a derived from natural tartaric acid.