Stereoselective electrochemical transformation of alkylidenecyanoacetates and malonate into (E)-3-substituted-2-cyanocyclopropane-1,1,2-tricarboxylates

Electrolysis of malonate and alkylidenecyanoacetates in alcohols in the presence of sodium bromide in an undivided cell results in the stereoselective formation of (E)-3-substituted 2-cyanocyclopropane-1,1,2-tricarboxylates in 75-85% yields. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.