Triphenylarsine-catalyzed cyclopropanation: Highly stereoselective synthesis of trans-2,3-dihydro-spiro[cyclopropane-1,2 '-indan-1 ',3 '-dione] from alkene and phenacyl bromide

The triphenylarsine-catalyzed approach for the highly stereoselective synthesis of trans-2,3-dihydro-spiro[cyclopropane-1,2'-indan-1',3'-dione] with alkenes and phenacyl bromide in organic solvent is described. The triphenylarsine-catalyzed cyclopropanation in water was investigated. The mixture of cis/trans isomers is provided with water as a solvent. The cis isomer is formed using water as a solvent. The reactivity of the reaction in water is higher than that in the organic solvent.