Rhodium-catalyzed [5 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition of ene-vinylcyclopropanes and CO: reaction design, development, application in natural product synthesis, and inspiration for developing new reactions for synthesis of eight-membered carbocycles

Double strain-release enables formal C-O/C-F and C-N/C-F ring-opening metathesis

Metathesis reactions have been established as a powerful tool in organic synthesis. While great advances were achieved in double-bond metathesis, like olefin metathesis and carbonyl metathesis, single-bond metathesis has received less attention in the past decade. Herein, we describe the first C(sp3)-O/C(sp3)-F bond formal cross metathesis reaction between gem-difluorinated cyclopropanes (gem-DFCPs) and epoxides under rhodium catalysis. The reaction involves the formation of a highly electrophilic fluoroallyl rhodium intermediate, which is capable of reacting with the oxygen atom in epoxides as weak nucleophiles followed by C-F bond reconstruction. The use of two strained ring substrates is the key to the success of the formal cross metathesis, in which the double strain release accounts for the driving force of the transformation. Additionally, azetidine also proves to be a suitable substrate for this transformation. The reaction offers a novel approach for the metathesis of C(sp3)-O and C(sp3)-N bonds, presenting new opportunities for single-bond metathesis.

Palladium-Catalyzed Ligand-Controlled Switchable Hetero-(5 + 3)/Enantioselective [2σ+2σ] Cycloadditions of Bicyclobutanes with Vinyl Oxiranes

For nearly 60 years, significant research efforts have been focused on developing strategies for the cycloaddition of bicyclobutanes (BCBs). However, higher-order cycloaddition and catalytic asymmetric cycloaddition of BCBs have been long-standing formidable challenges. Here, we report Pd-catalyzed ligand-controlled, tunable cycloadditions for the divergent synthesis of bridged bicyclic frameworks. The dppb ligand facilitates the formal (5+3) cycloaddition of BCBs and vinyl oxiranes, yielding valuable eight-membered ethers with bridged bicyclic scaffolds in 100% regioselectivity. The Cy-DPEphos ligand promotes selective hetero-[2σ+2σ] cycloadditions to access pharmacologically important 2-oxabicyclo[3.1.1]heptane (O-BCHeps). Furthermore, the corresponding catalytic asymmetric synthesis of O-BCHeps with 94-99% ee has been achieved using chiral (S)-DTBM-Segphos, representing the first catalytic asymmetric cross-dimerization of two strained rings. The obtained O-BCHeps are promising bioisosteres for ortho-substituted benzenes.

Type I [4σ+4π] versus [4σ+4π-1] Cycloaddition To Access Medium-Sized Carbocycles and Discovery of a Liver X Receptor β-Selective Ligand

Transition-metal-catalyzed [4+4] cycloaddition leading to cyclooctanoids has centered on dimerization between 1,3-diene-type substrates. Herein, we describe a [4σ+4π-1] and [4σ+4π] cycloaddition strategy to access 7/8-membered fused carbocycles through rhodium-catalyzed coupling between the 4σ-donor (benzocyclobutenones) and pendant diene (4π) motifs. The two pathways can be controlled by adjusting the solvated CO concentration. A broad range (>40 examples) of 5-6-7 and 5-6-8 polyfused carbocycles was obtained in good yields (up to 90 %). DFT calculations, kinetic monitoring and 13C-labeling experiments were carried out, suggesting a plausible mechanism. Notably, one 5-6-7 tricycle was found to be a very rare, potent, and selective ligand for the liver X receptor β (KD=0.64 μM), which is a potential therapeutic target for cholesterol-metabolism-related fatal diseases.

Ligand-Controlled Cobalt-Catalyzed Regiodivergent and Stereoselective Ring-Opening Isomerization of Vinyl Cyclopropanes

A ligand-controlled regiodivergent and stereoselective ring-opening isomerization of vinylcyclopropane was developed with cobalt catalysis. Employing the commercially available Xantphos ligand, the reactions afforded exclusively linear-type 1,3-dienes as the products. Interestingly, when switching the ligand to an amido-diphosphine ligand (PNP), branched-type 1,3-dienes were obtained with high regioselectivity and stereoselectivity. Preliminary mechanistic investigations suggested that a π-allyl metal and a metal-hydride species are involved as key intermediates in the two transformations, respectively.

High-Valent Copper Catalysis Enables Regioselective Fluoroarylation of Gem-Difluorinated Cyclopropanes

Transition-metal (TM) catalyzed reaction of gem-difluorinated cyclopropanes (gem-DFCPs) has drawn much attention recently. The reaction generally occurs via the activation of the distal C─C bond in gem-DFCPs by a low-valent TM through oxidative addition, eventually producing mono-fluoro olefins as the coupling products. However, achieving regioselective activation of the proximal C─C bond in gem-DFCPs that overcomes the intrinsic reactivity via TM catalysis remains elusive. Here, a new reaction mode of gem-DFCPs enabled by high-valent copper catalysis, which allows exclusive activation of the congested proximal C─C bond is presented. The reaction that achieves fluoroarylation of gem-DFCPs uses NFSI (N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide) as electrophilic fluoro reagent and arenes as the C─H nucleophiles, enabling the synthesis of diverse CF3-containing scaffolds. It is proposed that a high-valent copper species plays an important role in the regioselective activation of the proximal C─C bond possibly via a σ-bond metathesis.

Selectivity in Rh-catalysis with gem-difluorinated cyclopropanes

Small-ring chemistry is a fascinating field in organic chemistry. gem-Difluorinated cyclopropanes, a unique class of cyclopropanes, have garnered significant interest due to their intrinsic high reactivity. In this context, gem-difluorinated cyclopropanes have been extensively investigated as fluoroallylic synthons in Pd-catalyzed ring-opening/cross-coupling reactions for the synthesis of monofluoroalkenes with linear or branched selectivity. In contrast, Rh-catalysis has revealed diverse selectivity in the reaction of gem-difluorinated cyclopropanes, such as regioselectivity, enantioselectivity, and chemoselectivity. This feature article aims to summarize our efforts towards developing Rh-catalyzed reactions of gem-difluorinated cyclopropanes, briefly discussing the design, selectivity, reaction mechanisms and future research prospects.

Diastereo- and Enantioselective Synthesis of Tetracyclic Cycloheptanols through (4+3) Annulation via C-C/C-H Activation Cascade

Transition metal-catalyzed annulations of four-membered rings via C-C activation are powerful tools to construct complex fused and bridged ring systems. Despite significant progress in (4+1), (4+2) and (4+4) annulations, the (4+3) annulation remains unexplored. Herein, we develop an asymmetric Rh-catalyzed intramolecular (4+3) annulation of α-arylalkene-tethered benzocyclobutenols for the synthesis of dihydrofuran-annulated dibenzocycloheptanols with two discontinuous chiral carbon centers via a C-C and C-H activation cascade. The reaction features excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities and 100 % atom economy, and is applicable to late-stage modification of complex molecules.

Redox-neutral zinc-catalyzed cascade [1,4]-H shift/annulation of diaziridines with donor-acceptor aziridines

The coupling of diaziridines with donor-acceptor aziridines (DAAs) has been achieved using Zn-catalysis to furnish imidazopyrazole-4,4-dicarboxylates via [1,4]-hydride shift. The use of Zn-catalysis, [1,4]-hydride shift, natural product modification and a late-stage molecular docking study are important practical features.

Photo-induced intramolecular dearomative [5 + 4] cycloaddition of arenes for the construction of highly strained medium-sized-rings

Medium-sized-ring compounds have been recognized as challenging synthetic targets in organic chemistry. Especially, the difficulty of synthesis will be augmented if an E-olefin moiety is embedded. Recently, photo-induced dearomative cycloaddition reactions that proceed via energy transfer mechanism have witnessed significant developments and provided powerful methods for the organic transformations that are not easily realized under thermal conditions. Herein, we report an intramolecular dearomative [5 + 4] cycloaddition of naphthalene-derived vinylcyclopropanes under visible-light irradiation and a proper triplet photosensitizer. The reaction affords dearomatized polycyclic molecules possessing a nine-membered-ring with an E-olefin moiety in good yields (up to 86%) and stereoselectivity (up to 8.8/1 E/Z). Detailed computational studies reveal the origin behind the favorable formation of the thermodynamically less stable isomers. Diverse derivations of the dearomatized products have also been demonstrated.

Silyl-Group Boosted Internal Redox Reaction: Hydride Shift from an Aliphatic Secondary Position for the Formation of Six- and Seven-Membered Carbocycles

We report a hydride shift/cyclization reaction at the aliphatic secondary position (methylene group). The key to accomplishing this reaction was the employment of benzylidene malonate having a silyl group β to the hydride donor carbon. When the corresponding malonates were treated with a catalytic amount of Al(OTf)3, the [1,5]-hydride shift from the simple aliphatic secondary position proceeded smoothly to afford silyl-group substituted tetralin derivatives in excellent chemical yields (up to 98%). This reaction system was applied to the formation of seven-membered carbocycles via the [1,6]-hydride shift mediated process.

Forging Medium Rings via I(I)/I(III)-Catalyzed Diene Carbofunctionalization

A main-group catalysis-based strategy to access 8-membered carbocycles via the direct carbofunctionalization of 2-phenethyl-substituted 1,3-dienes is disclosed. Through the intervention of an I(I)/I(III) catalysis cycle, the synthesis of densely functionalized, fluorinated benzocyclooctenes can be achieved in an operationally simple manner. Modulating the oxidation/activation regime, and the external nucleophile, the process has been extended to unify the challenging cyclization with formation of allylic C-O, C-N, and C-C bonds (>30 examples). Derivatization of the product benzocyclooctenes is demonstrated together with X-ray conformational analysis, preliminary validation of enantioselective catalysis and a scalable resolution protocol.

Rhodium-catalyzed aminoacylation of alkenes via carbonylative C–H activation toward poly(hetero)cyclic alkylarylketones

This work discloses the facile construction of polyheterocyclic alkylarylketones by the rhodium-catalyzed carbonylative aminoacylation of alkenes involving C–H activation, which provides molecules as candidates for the screening of antitumor agents.

Enantioselective Formation of All-Carbon Quaternary Stereocenters in gem-Difluorinated Cyclopropanes via Rhodium-Catalyzed Stereoablative Kinetic Resolution

Herein, we report an effective method to offer chiral gem-difluorinated cyclopropanes containing an all-carbon quaternary stereocenter by rhodium-catalyzed stereoablative kinetic resolution. The activation of a sterically hindered all-carbon quaternary C-C bond through oxidative addition with a chiral rhodium complex is proposed as the enantiodetermining step. A wide range of gem-difluorinated cyclopropanes can be obtained with excellent ee values (ee = 87% to >99.9%), which are demonstrated to be useful chiral fluorine-containing building blocks by a series of postfunctionalizations.

Rh(i)-catalyzed dimerization of ene-vinylidenecyclopropanes for the construction of spiro[4,5]decanes and mechanistic studies

Rh(i) complex catalyzed dimerization of ene-vinylidenecyclopropanes took place smoothly to construct a series of products containing spiro[4,5]decane skeletons featuring a simple operation procedure, mild reaction conditions, and good functional group tolerance. In this paper, the combination of experimental and computational studies reveals a counterion-assisted Rh(i)-Rh(iii)-Rh(v)-Rh(iii)-Rh(i) catalytic cycle involving tandem oxidative cyclometallation/reductive elimination/selective oxidative addition/selective reductive elimination/reductive elimination steps; in addition, a pentavalent spiro-rhodium intermediate is identified as the key intermediate in this dimerization reaction upon DFT calculation.

Phosphine-Catalyzed Enantioselective (3+2) Annulation of Vinylcyclopropanes with Imines for the Synthesis of Chiral Pyrrolidines

A phosphine-catalyzed highly enantioselective and diastereoselective (up to 98 % ee and >20 : 1 dr) (3+2) annulation between vinylcyclopropanes and N-tosylaldimines has been developed, which allows facile access to a range of highly functionalized chiral pyrrolidines. Notably, this method makes use of vinylcyclopropanes as a synthon for phosphine-mediated asymmetric annulation reaction, which will offer new opportunities for potential applications of cyclopropanes substrates in phosphine-catalyzed organic transformations.

Silaborative Assembly of Allenamides and Alkynes: Highly Regio- and Stereocontrolled Access to Bi- or Trimetallic Skipped Dienes

A highly stereo- and regiocontrolled multicomponent approach to skipped 1,4-dienes decorated with one boryl and two silyl functionalities is described. This Pd-catalyzed atom-economical union of allenamides, alkynes, and Me₂ PhSiBpin (or Et₃ SiBpin) proceeds without the use of phosphine ligands, instead relying on chelation through the internal amide group of the allenamide sulfonyl. A variety of alkynes, including those derived from complex bioactive molecules, can be efficiently coupled with allenamides and Me₂ PhSiBpin in good yields and with excellent selectivity. The synthetic potential was demonstrated through multiple valuable chemoselective transformations, establishing new disconnections for functionalized dienes. Density functional theory calculations revealed that the reaction first proceeded through borylation of the allenamide, followed by silylation of the alkyne and then reductive elimination, which convergently assemble the skipped 1,4-diene.

Enantioselective Synthesis of Medium-Sized-Ring Lactones via Iridium-Catalyzed Z-Retentive Asymmetric Allylic Substitution Reaction

Medium-sized rings are important structural units, but their synthesis, especially in a highly enantioselective manner, has been a great challenge. Herein we report an enantioselective synthesis of medium-sized-ring lactones by an iridium-catalyzed Z-retentive asymmetric allylic substitution reaction. The reaction features mild conditions and a broad substrate scope. Various eight- to 11-membered-ring lactones can be afforded in moderate to excellent yields (up to 88%) and excellent enantioselectivity (up to 99% ee). The utilization of both Z-allyl precursors and an Ir catalyst is critical for the medium-sized-ring formation.

Synthesis of octagon-containing molecular nanocarbons

Nanocarbons, such as fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, and graphenes, have long inspired the scientific community. In order to synthesize nanocarbon molecules in an atomically precise fashion, many synthetic reactions have been developed. The ultimate challenge for synthetic chemists in nanocarbon science is the creation of periodic three-dimensional (3D) carbon crystals. In 1991, Mackay and Terrones proposed periodic 3D carbon crystals with negative Gaussian curvatures that consist of six- and eight-membered rings (the so-called Mackay-Terrones crystals). The existence of the eight-membered rings causes a warped nanocarbon structure. The Mackay-Terrones crystals are considered a "dream material", and have been predicted to exhibit extraordinary mechanical, magnetic, and optoelectronic properties (harder than diamond, for example). To turn the dream of having this wonder material into reality, the development of methods enabling the creation of octagon-embedding polycyclic structures (or nanographenes) is of fundamental and practical importance. This review describes the most vibrant synthetic achievements that the scientific community has performed to obtain curved polycyclic nanocarbons with eight-membered rings, building blocks that could potentially give access as templates to larger nanographenes, and eventually to Mackay-Terrones crystals, by structural expansion strategies.

Six-Step Total Synthesis of Isohirsut-4-ene through [5+2+1] Cycloaddition and Transannular Epoxide-Alkene Cyclization

A six-step total synthesis of isohirsut-4-ene with a 5/5/5 tricyclic core has been achieved. The synthesis features a Rh(I)-catalyzed [5+2+1] cycloaddition, a Corey-Chaykovsky reaction, and a transannular epoxide-alkene cyclization that afford the skeleton of the target molecule. This three-step strategy was further utilized to synthesize more 5/5/5 tricyclic analogues with one or two bridgehead quaternary centers.

Mechanism and Stereochemistry of Rhodium-Catalyzed [5 + 2 + 1] Cycloaddition of Ene-Vinylcyclopropanes and Carbon Monoxide Revealed by Visual Kinetic Analysis and Quantum Chemical Calculations

Previously, we developed a rhodium-catalyzed [5 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition of ene-vinylcyclopropanes (ene-VCPs) and carbon monoxide to synthesize eight-membered carbocycles. The efficiency of this reaction can be appreciated from its application in the synthesis of several natural products. Herein we report the results of a 15-year investigation into the mechanism of the [5 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition by applying visual kinetic analysis and high-level quantum chemical calculations at the DLPNO-CCSD(T)//BMK level. According to the kinetic measurements, the resting state of the catalyst possesses a dimeric structure (with two rhodium centers) whereas the active catalytic species is monomeric (with one rhodium center). The catalytic cycle consists of cyclopropane cleavage (the turnover-limiting step), alkene insertion, CO insertion, reductive elimination, and catalyst transfer steps. Other reaction pathways have also been considered but then have been ruled out. The steric origin of the diastereoselectivity (cis versus trans) was revealed by comparing the alkene insertion transition states. In addition, how the double-bond configuration of the VCPs (Z versus E) affects the substrate reactivity and the origins of chemoselectivity ([5 + 2 + 1] versus [5 + 2]) were also investigated. The present study will provide assistance in understanding other carbonylative annulations catalyzed by transition metals.

Asymmetric synthesis of tricyclic 6,5,5-fused polycycles by desymmetric Pauson-Khand reaction

A new rhodium(I)-BINAP-catalyzed enantioselective desymmetric Pauson-Khand (PK) reaction of prochiral 1,6-enynes with CO has been developed. Diverse tricyclic 6,5,5-fused bowl type polycycles with three continuous chiral centers were synthesized in...

Tandem [5 + 1]/[8 + 2] cycloaddition reactions involving phosphiranes and tropones: facile access to 6,5,7-fused tricyclic skeletons

Tandem [5 + 1] carbonyl cyclization/[8 + 2] cycloaddition reactions of phosphiranes and tropones were developed as a straightforward method to access 6,5,7-fused tricyclic scaffolds.

Tf2O-Mediated Cyclization of 7-Enamides: Bioinspired Construction of Fused Eight-Membered Carbocyclic Enimines and Enones

In this paper, we document the construction of functionalized and fused eight-membered carbocycles by the triflic anhydride-mediated cyclization of 7-enamides. Taking advantage of the high electrophilicity of the nitrilium ion intermediates, generated in situ from secondary N-(2,6-dimethyl)anilides, the nonactivated, trisubstituted alkene-nitrilium cyclization reactions proceeded smoothly to afford nonconjugated β,γ-enimines (for fused 6/6/8 ring systems), conjugated α,β-enimines (for 6/5/8), or fused 5/8 ring systems in good yields. When the cyclization reactions were followed by one-pot acidic hydrolysis, the reaction led directly to the corresponding α,β-enones. For some substrates, the reaction afford an efficient access to pendent cyclic β,γ-enimines/enones.

Synthesizing Molecules with Linear Tricyclic 5/5/5 and 6/5/5 Skeletons via [5 + 2 + 1]/Ene Strategy

Report here is the development of a [5 + 2 + 1]/ene strategy for the synthesis of molecules with linear tricyclic 5/5/5 and 6/5/5 skeletons widely found in natural products. The first step of this strategy is applying a Rh-catalyzed [5 + 2 + 1] reaction of ene-vinylcyclopropanes and CO to synthesize 5/8 and 6/8 bicyclic compounds, which can then be transformed to the final target molecules by an InCl₃-catalyzed ene reaction.

Practical Enzymatic Production of Carbocycles

The Pd-catalyzed carbon-carbon bond formation pioneered by Heck in 1969 has dominated medicinal chemistry development for the ensuing fifty years. As the demand for more complex three-dimensional active pharmaceuticals continues to increase, preparative enzyme-mediated assembly, by virtue of its exquisite selectivity and sustainable nature, is poised to provide a practical and affordable alternative for accessing such compounds. In this minireview, we summarize recent state-of-the-art developments in practical enzyme-mediated assembly of carbocycles. When appropriate, background information on the enzymatic transformation is provided and challenges and/or limitations are also highlighted.

Small rings in the bigger picture: ring expansion of three- and four-membered rings to access larger all-carbon cyclic systems

The release of the inherent ring strain of cyclobutane and cyclopropane derivatives allows a rapid build-up of molecular complexity. This review highlights the state-of-the-art of the ring expansions of three- and four-membered cycles and is organised by types of reactions with emphasis on the reaction mechanisms. Selected examples are discussed to illustrate the synthetic potential of this elegant synthetic tool.

B(C6F5)3-Catalyzed Diastereoselective Formal (4 + 1)-Cycloaddition of Vinylcyclopropanes and Et2SiH2

A formal (4 + 1)-cycloaddition of vinylcyclopropanes and Et₂SiH₂ to afford 3,4-disubstituted silolanes is reported. The reaction sequence commences with the known B(C₆F₅)₃-catalyzed alkene hydrosilylation with dihydrosilanes. Cleavage of the remaining Si-H bond in the hydrosilylation product assisted by B(C₆F₅)₃ leads to formation of a cyclopropane-stabilized silylium ion. The activated cyclopropane ring is then opened by the in situ-generated borohydride accompanied by ring closure to the silolane. The diastereoselectivity is rationalized by a mechanistic model.

Regioselective activation of benzocyclobutenones and dienamides lead to anti-Bredt bridged-ring systems by a [4+4] cycloaddition

To the best of our knowledge, bridgehead carbon benzofused-bridged ring systems have previously not been accessible to the synthetic community. Here, we describe a formal type-II [4 + 4] cycloaddition approach that provides fully sp2-carbon embedded anti-Bredt bicyclo[5.3.1] skeletons through the Rh-catalyzed C1-C8 activation of benzocyclobutenones (BCBs) and their coupling with pedant dienamides. Variously substituted dienamides have been coupled with BCBs to provide a range of complex bicyclo[5.3.1] scaffolds (>20 examples, up to 89% yield). The bridged rings were further converted to polyfused hydroquinoline-containing tetracycles via a serendipitously discovered transannular 1,5-hydride shift/Prins-like cyclization/Schmidt rearrangement cascade.

Metal-Free C-H [5 + 1] Carbonylation of 2-Alkenyl/Pyrrolylanilines Using Dioxazolones as Carbonylating Reagents

A novel metal-free C-H [5 + 1] carbonylative annulation of 2-alkenyl/pyrrolylanilines with dioxazolones has been established for the assembly of the privileged quinolinones and pyrrolyl-fused quinoxalinones. Entirely differing from the existing reports, the dioxazolones herein behave with an innovative chemistry and first emerge as carbonylating reagents to participate in annulation reactions. Moreover, this process features exceedingly simple operation (only solvent) and tolerates both vinyl and aryl substrates. Comprehensive mechanistic studies indicate that the formed isocyanate intermediate plays a crucial role in enabling the carbonylation annulation.

Ruthenium-Catalyzed Cycloadditions to Form Five-, Six-, and Seven-Membered Rings

Ruthenium-catalyzed cycloadditions to form five-, six-, and seven-membered rings are summarized, including applications in natural product total synthesis. Content is organized by ring size and reaction type. Coverage is limited to processes that involve formation of at least one C-C bond. Processes that are stoichiometric in ruthenium or exploit ruthenium as a Lewis acid (without intervention of organometallic intermediates), ring formations that occur through dehydrogenative condensation-reduction, σ-bond activation-initiated annulations that do not result in net reduction of bond multiplicity, and photochemically promoted ruthenium-catalyzed cycloadditions are not covered.

Diastereoselective Construction of Eight-Membered Carbocycles through Palladium-Catalyzed C(sp3)-H Functionalization

A palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of 2-alkylphenyl bromides with biphenylene has been developed. The reactions formed eight-membered carbocycles through C(sp³)-H activation and the formation of two C-C bonds, and the chiral products were obtained with excellent diastereoselectivity. The reaction provides a new strategy for the construction of eight-membered carbocycles, and the products represent a novel type of chiral scaffold.

Transition Metal-Catalyzed Selective Carbon-Carbon Bond Cleavage of Vinylcyclopropanes in Cycloaddition Reactions

In this review, transition metal-catalyzed methodologies and applications that exploit C-C bond cleavage of vinylcyclopropanes (VCPs) are summarized with a focus on cycloaddition and related addition reactions. Transition metals, including palladium, nickel, iron, ruthenium, rhodium, cobalt, and iridium, can catalyze the cleavage of C-C bonds in activated or nonactivated VCPs. Additionally, these bond-breaking reactions can occur as intra- or intermolecular processes. The properties of activated and nonactivated VCPs are discussed in the Introduction. Various transition metal-catalyzed cycloaddition and addition reactions involving the cleavage of C-C bonds in activated VCPs are then discussed in the next chapter. The transition metal-catalyzed cycloadditions involving the cleavage of C-C in nonactivated VCPs are summarized in the following chapter. Finally, challenges and potential opportunities are outlined in the last chapter.

Cycloaddition of cyclopropanes for the elaboration of medium-sized carbocycles

The stereocontrolled formation of medium-sized carbocycles is a major goal in modern organic chemistry due to their widespread occurrence in natural products and pharmaceutically active ingredients. One approach consists in the use of cycloaddition reactions which notably results in high selectivities and atom-economy. To this end, cyclopropanes are ideal substrates since they can provide readily functionalized three- or five-carbon synthons. Herein we report advances made in cycloaddition reactions of cyclopropanes towards the synthesis of medium-sized carbocycles via transition metal catalysis or Lewis acid catalysis.