Cyclopropane formation by electroreductive coupling of activated olefins and gem-polyhalo compounds

Cyclopropyl derivatives have been prepared with satisfactory yields by electroreductive coupling of activated olefins and gem-polyhalo compounds. The reaction is efficient when the olefin is more easily reduced than the organic halide. Two types of intermediates can be involved to lead to the products. The radical anion of the olefin can react with the halo compound by electron-tranfer followed by radical coupling, or be reduced into the dianion which reacts by nucleophilic displacement. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.