Metalated epoxides as carbenoids. Stereospecific synthesis of functionalized spiro cyclopropanes via highly strained tricyclic intermediates

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(97)00802-2

Intramolecular cyclopropanation reaction of β,γ-unsaturated epoxides yields highly strained tricyclo[4,1,0,0^1,5]heptane compounds whose hydrolysis affords α-keto spiro cyclopropanes. Both steps of this one-pot reaction are stereospecific.