Cyclopropanation of 1,2-dibromoethylphosphonate: a synthesis of β-aminocyclopropylphosphonic acid and derivatives

Diethyl (1,2-dibromoethyl)phosphonate was found to undergo cyclopropanation with nitromethane in good yield. The resulting trans β-nitrocyclopropylphosphonate was converted to the trans N-protected aminocyclopropylphosphonate through a reduction–protection sequence. Subsequent hydrolysis gave the free β-aminocyclopropylphosphonic acid without any formation of ring-opening byproduct. Cyclopropanation of 1,2-dibromoethylphosphonates with nitroalkanes and their reduction are also discussed.