An efficient method for the synthesis of 2′,3′-nonsubstituted cycloalkane-1,3-dione-2-spirocyclopropanes using (2-bromoethyl)-diphenylsulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate

An efficient and practical synthesis of 2′,3′-nonsubstituted cyclohexane-1,3-dione-2-spirocyclopropanes using a sulfonium salt was achieved. The reaction of 1,3-cyclohexanediones and (2-bromoethyl)diphenylsulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate with powdered K₂CO₃ in EtOAc at room temperature (r.t.) provided the corresponding spirocyclopropanes in high yields. The synthetic method was also applied to 1,3-cyclopentanedione, 1,3-cycloheptanedione, 1,3-indanedione, acyclic 1,3-diones, ethyl acetoacetate, and Meldrum's acid.