Organosilicon-directed substitution reaction on bicyclic gem-dihalocyclopropanes. A facile formation of bicyclo[4.1.0]heptan-7-one dialkyl acetals

Treatment of 1-trimethylsilyl-7,7-dihalobicyclo4.1.0]heptanes with silver tri-fluoroacetate in an alcoholic solvent such as methanol or ethanol at 0–60 °C gives moderate to good yields of 1-trimethylsilylbicyclo4.1.0]heptan-7-one dialkyl acetal compounds, which result from the substitution of halogens on the cyclopropane ring.