Stereoselective electrocatalytic transformation of arylidene- or alkylidenemalononitriles and malonate into alkyl (1R,5R,6R)*6-substituted 5-cyano-4,4-dialkoxy-2-oxo-3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-1-carboxylates

Electrolysis of arylidene- or alkylidenemalononitriles and malonate in alcohol in an undivided cell in the presence of sodium halide as mediator results in the stereoselective formation of alkyl (IR,5R,6R)* 6-substituted 5-cyano-4,4-dialkoxy-2oxo-3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-1-carboxylates in 50-70% yields. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.