α-Diazo-β-ketonitriles: uniquely reactive substrates for arene and alkene cyclopropanation

J Am Chem Soc. 2013 May 15;135(19):7304-11. doi: 10.1021/ja401610p. Epub 2013 May 3.

Abstract

An investigation of the intramolecular cyclopropanation reactions of α-diazo-β-ketonitriles is reported. These studies reveal that α-diazo-β-ketonitriles exhibit unique reactivity in their ability to undergo arene cyclopropanation reactions; other similar acceptor-acceptor-substituted diazo substrates instead produce mixtures of C-H insertion and dimerization products. α-Diazo-β-ketonitriles also undergo highly efficient intramolecular cyclopropanation of tri- and tetrasubstituted alkenes. In addition, the α-cyano-α-ketocyclopropane products are demonstrated to serve as substrates for SN2, SN2', and aldehyde cycloaddition reactions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alkenes / chemistry*
  • Cyclopropanes / chemistry*
  • Diazonium Compounds / chemistry*
  • Dimerization
  • Hydrocarbons, Aromatic / chemistry*
  • Nitriles / chemistry*

Substances

  • Alkenes
  • Cyclopropanes
  • Diazonium Compounds
  • Hydrocarbons, Aromatic
  • Nitriles