Stereoselective electrocatalytic transformation of arylidenemalononitriles and malononitrile into (1R,5S,6R)*-6-aryl-2-amino-4,4-dialkoxy-1,5-dicyano-3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-enes

Electrolysis of arylidenemalononitriles and malononitrile in alcohols in an undivided cell in the presence of sodium bromide as mediator results in the stereoselective formation of (1R,2S,6R)*-6-aryl-2-amino-4,4-dialkoxy-1,5-dicyano-3-azabicyclo[3. 1.0]hex-2-enes in 60-80% yields. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.