Anodic Cyclization of Dimethyl 2-(3-Oxo-3-arylpropyl) Malonates into the Corresponding Dimethyl 2-Aroylcyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylates

A variety of dimethyl 2-(3-oxo-3-arylpropyl)malonates were electrooxidized in methanol, in the presence of potassium iodide and a base or a neutral salt, to give the corresponding cyclized dimethyl 2-aroylcyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylates in moderate to good yields. The reactions were carried out under extremely mild reaction conditions, in which the optimal amount of electrolytic current varied from 2.12-2.41 F.mol(-1) depending on the substrates. The reaction presumably proceeds via a two-electron oxidation process, in which iodide ions play an important role as the electron carrier between the anode and the substrate.