How does electrostatic activation control iminium-catalyzed cyclopropanations?

Sami Lakhdar1, Roland Appel, Herbert Mayr

  • 1Department Chemie und Biochemie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstrasse 5-13 (Haus F), 81377 München, Germany.

Summary

Ordinary alpha,beta-unsaturated iminium ions react with sulfur ylides, contrary to prior beliefs. Strong electrostatic interactions significantly accelerate these reactions and ensure high stereoselectivity.

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