A novel method for the synthesis of gem-dialkoxycarbonylcyclopropane derivatives is reported which involves the reaction of olefins with dibromomalonic esters and Cu in dimethyl sulphoxide. The reaction was applicable to a wide range of olefins and proceeded smoothly at moderate temperature to give the cyclopropane derivatives often in good yields. Cu was converted to Cu (II) bromide during the reaction. The reaction was weakly ...
