Stereoselective cyclopropanation of alkenes with the Oppolzer's sultam
carbenoid was examined for the first time. The addition reaction proc
eeds in high yields on substituted alkenes and provides an easy access
for stereoselective preparation of di-and tri-substituted cyclopropan
es. The synthetic utility of the title reaction was demonstrated in th
e stereoselective preparation of 1. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.