Recent transformations of vinylidene cyclopropanes (VDCPs)

Area of Science:

• Organic Chemistry
• Synthetic Chemistry

Background:

• Vinylidene cyclopropanes (VDCPs) are versatile building blocks in organic synthesis.
• Recent decades have seen substantial methodological development in VDCP transformations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in the transformation of vinylidene cyclopropanes.
• To highlight the synthesis of complex cyclic and polycyclic compounds from VDCPs.

Main Methods:

• Visible light-mediated reactions
• Non-metal-related catalysis
• Transition metal-catalyzed processes

Main Results:

• Introduction of reactive functional groups into VDCPs enables cascade or sequential transformations.
• Development of efficient catalytic systems for VDCP functionalization.
• Access to diverse and complex cyclic/polycyclic structures.

Conclusions:

• Significant progress in VDCP chemistry offers powerful tools for constructing complex molecules.
• The reviewed methods provide new avenues for synthetic chemists.