PhI(OAc)2-mediated additions of 2,4-dinitrophenylsulfenamide with methylenecyclopropanes (MCPs) and a methylenecyclobutane (MCB)

We report herein stereoselective additions of a nitrene derived from PhI(OAc)2 and 2,4-dinitrophenylsulfenamide with methylenecyclopropanes (MCPs) and a methylenecyclobutane (MCB) to give the corresponding ring enlargement products, (cyclobutylidene)amide or (cyclopentylidene)amide derivatives, in moderate to excellent yields. The reaction mechanism has been discussed on the basis of control experiments and previous investigation.