Cyclopropanation of diazoesters with styrene derivatives catalyzed by magnetically recoverable copper-plated iron nanoparticles

Simple bare copper-plated iron nanoparticles catalyzed the cyclopropanation of diazoesters with styrene derivatives. The reaction proceeded smoothly and provided the desired products in moderate to good yields, with selectivity for the trans isomer in neat conditions. The reaction scope was explored and di or tri-substituted cyclopropanes were synthesized. The catalysts could be magnetically separated and reusable up to five times. It was also characterized by TEM, XPS, and ICP-MS. A gram-scale reaction was performed with a yield of 72%.

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