Synthesis of 1,1-Bis(trimethylstannyl)cyclopropanes by the SRN1 Mechanism

The reactions of readily available 1,1-dichlorocyclopropanes, obtained by addition of dichlorocarbene to alkenes, with Me3Sn- anions are reported. The process is described in terms of a photoinduced S(RN)1 substitution. The 1, 1-bis(trimethylstannyl)cyclopropanes were obtained in good to excellent isolated yield (71-90%); 7,7-dichloro-2-oxa-bicyclo[4.1.0]heptane gave the 1,1-bis(trimethylstannyl) product in only 40% yield.