ChemInform Abstract: 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.