Dihalocarbene insertion reactions into C-H bonds of compounds containing small rings: mechanisms and regio- and stereoselectivities

A study reveals the novel insertion reactions of dichloro- and dibromocarbene into carbon-hydrogen bonds adjacent to cyclopropane rings. The findings suggest that the predominant isomers constituted in the reactions with bicyclo[4.1.0]heptane result from insertion into the endo carbon-hydrogen bonds alpha to the three-membered ring.