Organocatalytic asymmetric cyclopropanation of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes with arsonium ylides

Abstract

A novel organocatalytic asymmetric cyclopropanation of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes with arsonium ylides using diphenylprolinol silylether as a catalyst is described. A variety of chiral cyclopropyl aldehydes are obtained in moderate to good yields with up to 99:1 dr (diastereomeric ratio) and 99% ee under simple and mild reaction conditions.