Cyclopropanation of betulonic acid and its methyl ester with dichlorocarbene generated under phase transfer catalysis conditions

The addition of dichlorocarbene generated under phase transfer catalysis conditions to the double bond of betulonic acid occurs stereoselectively and is accompanied by transformation of the carboxy group leading to the dichloromethyl ester and chloride of 3-oxo-20,29-(dichloromethano)lupan-28-oic acid. Together these products, the chloride of the starting betulonic acid is formed depending on the reaction conditions. The reaction of dichlorocarbene with methyl betulonate leads to the corresponding cyclopropane adduct in a quantitative yield.