Catalytic Hydrogenolysis of 1,1-Dichloro-3-methyl-2-phenylcyclopropane

The title compound was hydrogenolyzed over PdO or Raney nickel. The C2–C3 bond of the cyclopropane ring underwent cleavage exclusively over PdO. Cleavage of the C1–C2 and C2–C3 bonds occurred competitively over Raney nickel. A probable pathway is suggested.