Cyclopropanes in organocatalytic transformations

Organocatalysis represents a powerful and reliable tool in modern organic chemistry. Cyclopropanes are a versatile compound class whose reactivity exceeds that of other cyclic hydrocarbons. The organocatalytic synthesis of cyclopropanes has become an established and well-studied transformation. However, the implementation of the cyclopropyl motif into the scaffolds of organocatalysts and the activation of cyclopropanes offers potential to further combine these two areas. Here, we discuss organocatalytic cyclopropanations together with organocatalytic reactions where the cyclopropane motif is implemented either in the catalyst or the substrate to demonstrate how organocatalysis can benefit from the unique reactivity of cyclopropanes. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Organocatalytic synthesis of cyclopropanes is a well-studied transformation that has the potential to combine with the implementation of the cyclopropyl motif into organocatalysts and the activation of cyclopropanes. This combination can benefit from the unique reactivity of cyclopropanes.