Electrochemical reduction of methyl cinnamate in the presence of 1,3-bis (4-methyl phenylsulphonyloxy) propane

Abstract

Electrochemical reduction of methyl cinnamate in the presence of a dielectrophile, such as 1,3-bis(4-methyl phenylsulphonyloxy)propane gives two major products: trans-$(pm)$ methyl 2-phenylcyclopentanecarboxylate and trans- $(pm)$ methyl 2,3-diphenyl-5-oxo-cyclopentanecarboxylate. The ratio of products basically depends on the electrolysis conditions.