ABSTRACT
The large number of studies devoted to these two reactions by different research groups during three decades show that these reactions are very general and usually take place with high chemical and quantum yields, affording cyclopropane derivatives that, in many instances, are difficult to obtain, or not available, by alternative routes. Both reactions show a high degree of diastereoselectivity, or even enantioselectivity in some instances. Therefore, it is not surprising that these rearrangements have been applied in the synthesis of complicated molecules that are difficult to prepare by alternative reaction paths. In particular, the ODPM reaction has been applied as the key step in the synthesis of some natural products by routes that compete with conventional alternatives.
