TMG catalyzed cyclopropanation of cyclopentenone. Illustration by a simple synthesis of bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2-one derivatives

The catalytic preparation of bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2-one-6-carboxylic acid ethyl ester 1 is described by cyclopropanation of cyclopentenone using 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine (TMG) as a catalyst in high yield and high diastereoselectivity. This process has been applied to an efficient synthesis of the important intermediate, β-hydroxyl cyclopentanone 2.