Simmons‐Smith Reaction

Abstract

The stereospecific transformation of olefins into cyclopropanes by means of the treatment with methylene diiodide and zinc‐copper couple is generally known as the Simmons–Smith reaction. The study finds that the cyclopropanation is further facilitated by an intramolecular oxygen atom nearing the olefinic reaction center. All the features of the Simmons–Smith reaction has been discussed. This reaction has a very broad application in organic synthesis.