Yes, its been done, but not with any chains or pedals. A front motor is 110 mm wide at the axle, so it can be used on a 120 mm wide steel bmx bike, with just foot pegs. Squash in the frame till its 110mm.
Also there are a few types of trikes that essentially have a standard front wheel on one side.
Other than something like that, nope, won't work. Axle too short for a hub cover that has the screw threads for a freewheel. The axle cover from a rear won't match at the axle bearings.