Preparation of Vinylcyclopropanes by Sodium Mediated Reductive Isomerization of Methylenecyclopropanes

We disclosed therein a new reaction of reductive isomerization of methylenecyclopropanes (MCPs) to vinylcyclopropanes (VCPs). On treatment with sodium metal in liquid ammonia, MCPs bearing a C–O bond at allylic position undergo both a reductive cleavage of the C–O bond and an isomerization of the C–C double bond giving rise to VCPs. The scope of the reductive isomerization was investigated and showed a broad applicability since various functional groups are tolerated. MCP substrates were straightforwardly prepared by a palladium-promoted [2 + 1] cycloaddition between norbornene derivatives with alkynes.