Thermal, decomposition of some new spiro-1-pyrazolines

The thermal decomposition of spiro-1-pyrazolines 2 obtained by the cycloaddition of exocyclic α,β-unsaturated ketones with diazomethane gives spirocyclopropanes 4 with high selectivity and the new β-methyl-3-benzylidene derivatives 3. The configuration and conformation of the thermolysis products 3 and 4 were elucidated by different n.m.r. methods.