An efficient and stereospecific approach to the synthesis of structurally constrained aza-, oxa-, and thiabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane heterocycles has
been achieved through application of the intramolecular cyclopropanation reaction of diazoacetates. The various constrained heterocycles (X
= N, O, or S) are conveniently prepared from a common diol intermediate accessible from readily available cinnamyl alcohols. Application of
the methodology to the synthesis of conformationally constrained oxazolidinone antibacterials is also discussed