The synergistic effect of copper chromite spinel nanoparticles (CuCr2O4) and basic ionic liquid on the synthesis of cyclopropanecarboxylic acids

Abstract

An efficient synthesis of cyclopropanecarboxylic acids using copper chromite spinel nanoparticles and basic ionic liquid is described. In this study, a relatively simple method starting with trans-cinnamic acid for the synthesis of (±)-trans-2-phenylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid, a key intermediate in the synthesis of tranylcypromine sulfate as an active pharmaceutical ingredient, was employed. Using a combination of basic ionic liquid [Bmim]OH and copper chromite spinel nanoparticles as a catalytic system, the best results were obtained in THF as a polar solvent. This method is a useful alternative to other approaches described in the literature. The use of commercially available chemicals, decreased environmental hazards, with no need for the separation of stereoisomers, and consequently a reduced number of overall steps, are the advantages of this approach that make it an appropriate choice at an increased scale.