Synthesis of 3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane derivatives via palladium-catalyzed cyclopropanation of maleimides with N-tosylhydrazones: practical and facile access to CP-866,087.

A palladium-catalyzed cyclopropanation of internal alkenes with N-tosylhydrazones is presented. This gram-scale cyclopropanation reaction of maleimides provides a wide spectrum of 3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane derivatives in high yields and diastereoselectivities. The major diastereoisomers could be easily isolated by chromatography on silica gel. This protocol provides a practical route to the mu opioid receptor antagonist CP-866,087.