New Alkene Cyclopropanation Reactions Enabled by Photoredox Catalysis via Radical Carbenoids

Published as part of the Bürgenstock Special Section 2018 Future Stars in Organic Chemistry

Abstract

We describe the recent emergence of a new approach for the synthesis of cyclopropane rings by means of photoredox catalysis. This methodology relies on the photocatalytic generation of radical carbenoids or carbenoid-like radicals as cyclopropanating species, and is characterized by excellent functional group tolerance, chemoselectivity and the ability to form cyclopropanes with excellent control from E/Z alkene mixtures. The mild reaction conditions and employment of user-friendly reagents are highly attractive features that may lead to this approach being used in academic and industrial laboratories.

1 Introduction

2 Photoredox-Catalyzed Alkene Cyclopropanations with Radical Carbenoids

3 Conclusions and Outlook

Key words

photoredox catalysis - radicals - carbenoids - cyclopropanes - cyclopropanation

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