Studies in Bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane Methanolysis. Ring Opening of Activated Cyclopropanes under Acidic and Basic Conditions

Abstract

A bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane, with one cyclopropane carbon flanked by a ketone and an ester or an aldehyde, undergoes methanolysis with cleavage of one of the two activated cyclopropane bonds, depending on the reaction conditions. Acidic conditions yield primarily or exclusively a 4-methoxycyclohexane, while basic conditions yield a 3-methoxymethylcyclopentanone.