X-Ray Investigation of (E)-2-phenyl-1-chlorocyclopropane-1-carboxylic Acid — A Convenient Synthon for Transamine Synthesis

A method for the synthesis of (E,Z)-2-phenyl-1-chlorocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid by the addition of ethyl trichloroacetate to styrene in the presence of copper(I) ammine complexes is suggested. The major isomer was isolated as the corresponding acid. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis unequivocally prove that the benzene ring and the carboxylic group are in the cis-position and that the molecules form centrosymmetric dimers. (E)-2-phenyl-1-chlorocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid can serve as a convenient synthon for transamine synthesis.