A Study of the Structure Of 1,1,2,2-Tetracyanocyclopropane-Methanol Adduct

Abstract

In 1975 Danishefsky proposed that for homoconjugate addition to occur between a nucleophile and a cyclopropane, it was necessary for the cyclopropane to contain two activating groups, such as -COCR or -CN. The initial intent of this research was to investigate the possibility of similar reactions with 1,1,2,2- tetracyanocyclopropanes. However, in the preparation of the cyanocyclopropanes, an unexpected product was obtained. The research was then redirected to investigate the nature of this product.