Catalytic Cyclopropanation of Alkenes Using Diazo Compounds Generated in Situ. A Novel Route to 2-Arylcyclopropylamines

A user-friendly, one-pot process for catalytic cyclopropanation of alkenes from tosylhydrazones is described. The cyclopropanation of N-vinylphthalimide provides a new route to 2-arylcyclopropylamines, and this is exemplified in the efficient synthesis of the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor 6.