Racemic novel buffer-mediated rearrangement

A simple application of the highly efficient semi-two-phase monohydrolysis of meso diesters is described. Using this reaction, symmetric dialkyl 5,6-epoxybicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene-2,3-dicarboxylates yield 6-formyl-1-alkoxycarbonylbicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ene-2-carboxylic acids in a racemic manner in high yields in only two steps, providing additional support for the mechanisms of the semi-two-phase monohydrolysis and the rearrangement.