Allenes from cyclopropanes and their use in organic synthesis - Recent developments

The discovery of the alkylithium-induced conversion of gem-dihalocyclopropanes to allenes generated a lot of activity among experimental and theoretical chemists alike, and a large number of studies were initiated to uncover the chemical properties of halogenated and nonhalogenated cyclopropanes. However, many of the transformations that were discovered were either impractical or so limited in scope that they were barely used and made little impact before they drifted out of focus. Therefore cyclopropane chemistry has become less important for the development and use of allene chemistry. However, recent developments reversed this scenario.