A Salt Effect on the Reaction of Zinc Carbenoid

Abstract
Bicyclo[4.1.0]heptane (norcarane) was obtained as the major product of the reaction of cyclohexene with diethylzinc and methylene iodide. In the presence of lithium halide or magnesium halide, however, the yield of norcarane considerably decreased. Large amounts of n-propyl and n-butyl iodides were formed which was interpreted in terms of an insertion mechanism, viz., insertion of zinc carbenoid into the carbon-iodine bond of ethyl and n-propyl iodides.