Asymmetric cyclopropanation via an electro-organocatalytic cascade

Abstract

We report an iminium ion-promoted, asymmetric synthesis of cyclopropanes via an electrocatalytic, iodine-mediated ring closure. The mild, controlled electrochemical generation of electrophilic iodine species in catalytic quantities prevents organocatalyst deactivation, while also eliminating the need for halogenating reagents, thus simplifying traditional synthetic approaches.