Regioselective enzymatic acylations of polyhydroxylated eudesmanes: semisynthesis, theoretical calculations, and biotransformation of cyclic sulfites

Different lipase enzymes have been tested in order to perform regioselective acetylations on the eudesmane tetrol from vulgarin. High yields (95%) of 1,12-diacetoxy derivative (4) were achieved in 1 h with Candida antarctica lipase (CAL). However, only the 12-acetyl derivative (6) was obtained in similar yield with Mucor miehei (MML) or Candida cylindracea (CCL) lipases. The enzymatic protection at C-1 and C-12 has been used to form eudesmane cyclic-sulfites between C-6 and C-4 atoms. The R/S-sulfur configuration has been assigned by means of the experimental and theoretical (13)C and (1)H NMR chemical shifts. The theoretical shifts were calculated using the GIAO method, with a MM+ geometry optimization followed by a single-point calculation at the B3LYP/6-31G(*) level (B3LYP/6-31G(*)//MM+). Moreover, B3LYP/6-31G(*) geometry optimizations were carried out to test the B3LYP/6-31G(*)//MM+ results, for the deacetylated sulfites (12 and 15). In addition to the delta(C) and delta(H) shifts, the (3)J(HH) coupling constants were also calculated and compared with the experimental values when available. Finally, different reactivities have been checked in both sulfites by biotransformation with Rhizopus nigricans. While the R-sulfite gave 2 alpha- and 11 beta-hydroxylated metabolites, the S-sulfite yielded only regioselective deacetylations. Furthermore, both sulfites showed different reactivities in redox processes.     

Calorimetric and computational study of 3-buten-1-ol and 3-butyn-1-ol. Estimation of the enthalpies of formation of 1-alkenols and 1-alkynols

The enthalpies of combustion and vaporization of 3-buten-1-ol and 3-butyn-1-ol have been measured by static bomb combustion calorimetry and correlation gas chromatography techniques, respectively, and the gas-phase enthalpies of formation, Delta(f)H degrees (m)(g), have been determined, the values being -147.3 +/- 1.8 and 16.7 +/- 1.6 kJ mol(-1), for 3-buten-1-ol and 3-butyn-1-ol, respectively. High level calculations at the G2 and G3 levels have also been carried out. Relationships between the enthalpies of formation of 1-alkanols, 1-alkenols and 1-alkynols and with the corresponding hydrocarbons have been discussed. From the calculated contributions to Delta(f)H degrees (m)(g) for the substitutions of CH(3) by CH(2)OH, CH(3)CH(2) by CH(2)=CH and CH(3)CH(2) by CH triple bond C, we have estimated the Delta(f)H degrees (m)(g) values for 3-buten-1-ol and 3-butyn-1-ol, in excellent agreement with the experimental ones. Delta(f)H degrees (m)(g) values for 1-alkenols and 1-alkynols up to 10 carbon atoms have also been estimated.     

Complete basis set B3LYP NMR calculations of CDCl3 solvent's water fine spectral details

The assignment of singlet at 1.55 ppm and the 1:1:1 triplet at 1.519 ppm to H(2)O and HOD in the 400 MHz (1)H NMR spectrum of CDCl(3) solvent were supported by complete basis set (CBS) GIAO-B3LYP calculated chemical shift and the CBS B3LYP estimated (2)J(D,H) spin-spin coupling constant (SSCC). The CBS fitting of B3LYP/cc-pCVxZ and B3LYP/pcJ-n predicted SSCC values, the accurate value of (2)J(D,H) = -1.082 +/- 0.030 Hz of HOD in chloroform-d(1) and the H/D isotopic shift of 0.0307(1) ppm were reported for the first time. The agreement between CBS B3LYP predicted chemical shift, spin-spin values and experiment was good.     

NMR spectra, GIAO and charge density calculations of five-membered aromatic heterocycles

The B3LYP/6-31+G(d) molecular geometry optimized structures of 17 five-membered heterocycles were employed together with the gauge including atomic orbitals (GIAO) density functional theory (DFT) method at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p), B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) and B3LYP/6-311+G(2d,p) levels of theory for the calculation of proton and carbon chemicals shifts and coupling constants. The method of geometry optimization for pyrrole (1), N-methylpyrrole (2) and thiophene (7) using the larger 6-311++G(d,p) basis sets at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p), B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p), B3LYP/6-31+G(2d,p) and B3LYP/cc-pVTZ levels of theory gave little difference between calculated and experimental values of coupling constants. In general, the (1)H and 13C chemical shifts for all compounds are in good agreement with theoretical calculations using the smaller 6-31 basis set. The values of nJHH(n=3, 4, 5) and rmnJ(CH)(n=1, 2, 3, 4) were predicted well using the larger 6-31+G(d,p) and 6-311++G(d,p) basis sets and at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p), B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p), B3LYP/6-31+G(2d,2p) levels of theory. The computed atomic charges [Mülliken; Natural Bond Orbital Analysis (NBO); Merz-Kollman (MK); CHELP and CHELPG] for the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) geometry optimized structures of 1-17 were used to explore correlations with the experimental proton and carbon chemical shifts.     

Quantum-chemical study of the reaction of pent-4-en-2-yn-1-ol with copper,zinc, and nickel sulfides

Complexes of metal sulfides MS (M = Cu, Zn, Ni) with pent-4-en-2-yn-1-ol modeling dimethyl-(isopropenylethynyl)carbinol, a potent floating agent for benefication of nonferrous metal ores, were calculated by the B3LYP density functional theory method with the 6–31G** basis set. The adsorption mechanisms of vinylacetylenic and aliphatic alcohols were shown to vary depending on the nature of the metal sulfide. This fact can be taken into account on the flotation of mixed ores for selective metal extraction.     

Experimental and density functional theory and ab initio Hartree-Fock study on the vibrational spectra of 2-(4-fluorobenzylideneamino)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propanoic acid

2-(4-Fluorobenzylideneamino)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propanoic acid (4-FT) was synthesized through the reaction of 4-fluorobenzaldehyde and l-tyrosine in refluxing EtOH. The structure of 4-FT was verified by measuring 1H NMR, FTIR and Raman. The ground-state geometries were optimized at B3LYP/6-31G**, B3LYP/6-31G*, HF/6-31G** and HF/6-31G* levels without symmetry constrains. The vibrational wavenumbers of 4-FT were calculated at same levels. The scaled spectra using B3LYP methods, which are in a good agreement with the measured spectra, are superior to those calculated using HF methods.     

(M4H3X)2B2O2: hydrometal complexes (M = Ni, Mg) containing double tetracoordinate planar nonmetal centers (X = C, N)

Geometrical optimizations and electronic structural analyses of the -O(2)B(2)- bridged hydrometal complexes (M(4)H(3)C)(2)B(2)O(2) and (M(4)H(3)N)(2)B(2)O(2)(2+) (M = Ni, Mg) containing double tetracoordinate planar nonmetals (TPN) have been performed using the density functional theory at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) level. Theoretical evidence of the possibility of double TPN centers coexisting in one planar molecule is presented.     

Synthesis of the arachno-4-CB(8)H(12)(2)(-) monocarbaborane dianion and NMR/computational studies of the fluxional processes observed in the isoelectronic nine-vertex arachno anions: arachno-4-CB(8)H(12)(2)(-), arachno-4-CB(8)H(13)(-), and arachno-4-SB(8)H(11)(-)

The new monocarbaborane dianion, arachno-4-CB(8)H(12)(2)(-) has been synthesized from the reaction of arachno-4-CB(8)H(14) with 2 equiv of NaH in polar solvents. DFT/GIAO computations at the B3LYP/6-311G//B3LYP/6-311G level, in conjunction with 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic studies, have confirmed that the dianion results from deprotonation of both the endo-CH and one bridging hydrogen of the parent arachno-4-CB(8)H(14). While the DFT calculations indicate that a C(1) symmetric structure is lowest in energy, the experimental solution NMR data are consistent with the dianion having a C(s)() symmetric structure, thus suggesting that it is fluxional in solution. Transition state calculations located a low-energy pathway with an activation energy of only 2.7 kcal/mol that allows the migration of the bridging hydrogen between the two enantiomeric forms of the dianion. The process can occur by a single-step, simple rotation through a transition state structure containing a -BH(2) group at the B7 boron. Averaging the calculated (11)B NMR chemical shifts of the resonances for those atoms in the static enantiomeric structures that become equivalent by this fluxional process then gives excellent agreement with the solution NMR data. Transition state calculations of the fluxional behavior previously observed for the isoelectronic arachno-4-CB(8)H(13)(-) and arachno-4-SB(8)H(11)(-) monoanions have likewise revealed related low-energy (0.3 and 5.0 kcal/mol, respectively) rearrangement mechanisms involving the simultaneous rotation of three hydrogens (two bridging and one -BH(2)) through a C(s)() symmetry transition state containing three -BH(2) groups.     

Zn2+ has a primary hydration sphere of five: IR action spectroscopy and theoretical studies of hydrated Zn2+ complexes in the gas phase

Complexes of Zn(2+)(H(2)O)(n), where n = 6-12, are examined using infrared photodissociation (IRPD) spectroscopy, blackbody infrared radiative dissociation (BIRD), and theory. Geometry optimizations and frequency calculations are performed at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) level along with single point energy calculations for relative energetics at the B3LYP, B3P86, and MP2(full) levels with a 6-311+G(2d,2p) basis set. The IRPD spectrum of Zn(2+)(H(2)O)(8) is most consistent with the calculated spectrum of the five-coordinate MP2(full) ground-state (GS) species. Results from larger complexes also point toward a coordination number of five, although contributions from six-coordinate species cannot be ruled out. For n = 6 and 7, comparisons of the individual IRPD spectra with calculated spectra are less conclusive. However, in combination with the BIRD and laser photodissociation kinetics as well as a comparison to hydrated Cu(2+) and Ca(2+), the presence of five-coordinate species with some contribution from six-coordinate species seems likely. Additionally, the BIRD rate constants show that Zn(2+)(H(2)O)(6) and Zn(2+)(H(2)O)(7) complexes are less stable than Zn(2+)(H(2)O)(8). This trend is consistent with previous work that demonstrates the enthalpic favorability of the charge separation process forming singly charged hydrated metal hydroxide and protonated water complexes versus loss of a water molecule for complexes of n ≤ 7. Overall, these results are most consistent with the lowest-energy structures calculated at the MP2(full) level of theory and disagree with those calculated at B3LYP and B3P86 levels.     

Persistent carbocations from bay region methoxy-substituted cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene and its derivatives. A structure/reactivity study

Using 500 MHz NMR, we have carried out a stable ion protonation and model nitration study of the methoxy-substituted hydrocarbon 6, its 15-ol 7, and the dimer 10, in order to evaluate OMe substituent effects on directing electrophilic attack and on charge delocalization mode/conformational aspects in the resulting carbocations. It is found that the C-11 methoxy group directs the electrophilic attack to C-12 and C-14. Thus protonation of 6 with FSO(3)H/SO(2)ClF gives a 4:1 mixture of monoarenium ions 6H(+)()/6aH(+)(). Prolonged reaction times and increased temperature induced fluorosulfonylation at C-14 (6(+)-SO(2)()F), whereas ambient nitration with NO(2)(+)BF(4)(-) occurred at C-12. The 15-ol derivative 7 is cleanly ionized to 11(+)(), providing the first example of an alpha-phenanthrene-substituted carbocation from phenanthrene C-1 position. Contrasting behavior of the D-ring methyl-substituted 9 and the C-11 methoxy-substituted 10 dimers is remarkable in that unlike 9 which is readily cleaved to produce the monomeric arenium ion 3H(+)(), 10 is diprotonated at the two C-12 sites and at C-12/C-14 in each unit. The latter dication-dimer exists as a mixture of diastereomers. Reactivity of 7 underscores the importance of 11(+)(). Attack at the C-14 ring junction is in concert with the proposal that electrophilic oxygen would attack at C-14/C-15 (epoxidation) followed by ring opening to give the biologically active 15-ol as a major metabolite.     

Thermochemistry and gas-phase ion energetics of 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzophenone (oxybenzone)

We have investigated the thermochemistry and ion energetics of the oxybenzone (2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzophenone, C14H12O3, 1H) molecule. The following parameters have been determined for this species: gas-phase enthalpy for the of neutral molecule at 298.15K, (Delta(f)H0(m)(g) = -303.5 +/- 5.1 kJ x mol-1), the intrinsic (gas-phase) acidity (GA(1H) = 1402.1 +/- 8.4 kJ x mol-1), enthalpy of formation for the oxybenzone anion (Delta(f)H0(m)(1-,g) = -402.3 +/- 9.8 kJ x mol-1). We also have obtained the enthalpy of formation of, 4-hydroxy-4'-methoxybenzophenone (Delta(f)H0(m)(g) = -275.4 +/- 10 kJ x mol-1) and 3-methoxyphenol anion (Delta(f)H0(m)(C7H7O2-,g) = -317.7 +/- 8.7 kJ x mol-1). A reliable experimental estimation of enthalpy related to intramolecular hydrogen bonding in oxybenzone has also been obtained (30.1 +/- 6.3 kJ x mol-1) and compared with our theoretical calculations at the B3LYP/6-311++G** level of theory, by means of an isodesmic reaction scheme. In addition, heat capacities, temperature, and enthalpy of fusion have been determined for this molecule by differential scanning calorimetry.     

Eremophilane esters of Robinsonecio gerberifolius and their rearranged products. Study of the coupling constants (2)J(H, H), (3)J(H, H) and (4)J(H, H)

In the course of the basic hydrolysis of four eremophilane esters isolated from Robinsonecio gerberifolius, some rearrangements, eliminations, and additions occurred. Five compounds were obtained, three of them not previously described. Additionally, a new sesquiterpene was produced by autooxidation of compound 1. The (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra of these compounds were completely assigned by utilization of HMQC, HMBC, COSY, DEPT, and NOESY techniques. The long-range coupling constants of the peroxide 10 are reported, and all its coupling constants (2)J(H, H), (3)J(H, H), and (4)J(H, H) are calculated at the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level of theory. Their magnitude is explained in terms of electronic delocalization and the additivity of stereoelectronic effects.     

丁烯和丁烷自由基阳离子的分子结构和超精细结构的 理论研究

用密度函数理论B3LYP方法和6-31G(d,p),6-311G(d,p)及6-311+G(d,p)基组，分别对1-C4H^+~8,2-C4H^+~8和C4H^+~10进行了构型优化和频率分析计算，预言1-C4H^+~8具有非平面构型，与以往报道的从头算和密度函数理论计算结果不同。在各自由基阳离子的B3LYP构型上，进行了B3LYP、MP2及MRSDCI方法的超精细偶合常数计算，得到了比以往更好的结果，特别是MP2/B3LYP计算值是至今与实验值符合得最好的理论计算结果。     

Synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of tetranuclear cubane-like and chain-like iron(II) complexes based on the N(4)O pentadentate dinucleating ligand 1,5-bis[(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]pentan-3-ol

The tetranuclear complexes [Fe(4)(pypentO)(pym)(3)(Oac)(NCS)(3)] x 1.5EtOH (1), [Fe(4)(pypentO)(pym)(Oac)(2)(NCS)(2)(MeO)(2)(H(2)O)] x H(2)O (2), [Fe(2)(pypentO)(NCO)(3)](2) (3), and [Fe(2)(pypentO)(N(3))(3)](2) (4) have been prepared, and their structure and magnetic properties have been studied (pypentOH = 1,5-bis[(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]pentan-3-ol, pymH = 2-pyridylmethanol). The X-ray diffraction analysis of 1 (C(43)H(53)N(10)O(7.5)S(3)Fe(4), monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 11.6153(17) A, b = 34.391(17) A, c = 14.2150(18) A, beta = 110.88(5) degrees, V = 5305(3) A(3), Z = 4) and 2 (C(31)H(45)N(7)O(10)S(2)Fe(4), monoclinic, C2/c, a = 19.9165(17) A, b = 21.1001(12) A, c = 21.2617(19) A, beta = 104.441(10) degrees, V = 8652.7(12) A(3), Z = 8) showed a Fe(4)O(4) cubane-like arrangement of four iron(II) atoms, four mu(3)-O bridging ligands, one (1) or two (2) syn-syn bridging acetates. The X-ray diffraction analysis of 3 (C(40)H(46)N(14)O(8)Fe(4), monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 11.7633(18) A, b = 18.234(3) A, c = 10.4792(16) A, beta = 99.359(18) degrees, V = 2217.7(6) A(3), Z = 2) and 4 (C(34)H(46)N(26)O(2)Fe(4), monoclinic, P2(1)/c, V = 4412.4(10) A(3), a = 23.534(3) A, b = 18.046(2) A, c = 10.4865(16) A, beta = 97.80(2) degrees, Z = 4) showed a zigzag bis-dinuclear arrangement of four iron(II) cations, two mu(2)-O bridging pypentO ligands, four mu(2)-N-cyanato bridging ligands (3) or four end-on azido bridging ligands (4): they are the first examples of cyanato and azido bridged discrete polynuclear ferrous compounds, respectively. The M?ssbauer spectra of 1 are consistent with four different high-spin iron(II) sites in the Fe(4)O(4) cubane-type structure. The M?ssbauer spectra of 3 are consistent with two high-spin iron(II) sites (N(5)O and N(4)O). Below 190 K, the M?ssbauer spectra of 4 are consistent with one N(5)O and two N(4)O high-spin iron(II) sites. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility was fitted with J(1) approximately 0 cm(-1), J(2) = -1.3 cm(-1), J(3) = 4.6 cm(-1), D = 6.4 cm(-1), and g = 2.21 for 1; J(1) = 2.6 cm(-1), J(2) = 2.5 cm(-1), J(3) = - 5.6 cm(-1), D = 4.5 cm(-1), and g = 2.09 for 2; J(1) = 1.5 cm(-1), J(2) = 0.2 cm(-1), D = - 5.6 cm(-1), D' = 4.5 cm(-1), and g = 2.14 for 3; and J(1) = - 2.6 cm(-1), J(2) = 0.8 cm(-1), D= 6.3 cm(-1), D' = 1.6 cm(-1), and g = 2.18 for 4. The differences in sign among the J(1), J(2), and J(3) super-exchange interactions indicate that the faces including only mu(3)-OR bridges exhibit ferromagnetic interactions. The nature of the ground state in 1-3 is confirmed by simulation of the magnetization curves at 2 and 5 K. In the bis-dinuclear iron(II) compounds 3 and 4, the J(2) interaction resulting from the bridging of two Fe(2)(pypentO)X(3) units through two pseudo-halide anions is ferromagnetic in 3 (X = mu(2)-N-cyanato) and may be either ferro- or antiferromagnetic in 4 (X = end-on azido). The J(1) interaction through the central O(alkoxo) and pseudo-halide bridges inside the dinuclear units is ferromagnetic in 3 (X = mu(2)-N-cyanato) and antiferromagnetic in 4 (X = end-on azido). In agreement with the symmetry of the two Fe(II) sites in complexes 3 and 4, D (pentacoordinated sites) is larger than D' (octahedral sites).     

The nature of superacid electrophilic species in HF/SbF(5): a density functional theory study

A density functional theory study at the B3LYP/6-31++G** + RECP(Sb) level of the HF/SbF(5) superacid system was carried out. The geometries of possible electrophilic species, such as H(2)F(+).Sb(2)F(11)(-) and H(3)F(2)(+).Sb(2)F(11)(-), were calculated and correspond with available experimental results. Calculations of different equilibrium reactions involving HF and SbF(5) allowed the relative concentration of the most energetically favorable species present in 1:1 HF/SbF(5) solutions to be estimated. These species are H(+).Sb(2)F(11)(-), H(2)F(+).Sb(2)F(11)(-), H(3)F(2)(+).Sb(2)F(11)(-), and H(4)F(3)(+).Sb(2)F(11)(-), which correspond to 36.9, 16.8, 36.9, and 9.4%, respectively. Calculations of the acid strength of the electrophilic species were also performed and indicated that, for the same anion, the acid strength increases with the solvation degree. The entropic term also plays a significant role in proton-transfer reactions in superacid systems.     

A density-functional study of the mechanism for the diastereoselective epoxidation of chiral allylic alcohols by the titanium peroxy complexes

The epoxidation of three stereolabeled methyl-substituted chiral allylic alcohols with (1,2)A and/or (1,3)A allylic strain, namely 3-methylbut-3-en-2-ol (1a), pent-3-en-2-ol (1b), and 3-methylpent-3-en-2-ol (1c), have been studied by the density-functional theory method, B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p). For each substrate we calculated the two prereaction complexes with Ti(OH)(4)/MeOOH (the oxidant model for Ti(O-i-Pr)(4)/t-BuOOH), their threo and erythro transition states for oxygen transfer, and the corresponding product complexes. For substrate 1a, the erythro transition state is 0.91 kcal/mol of lower energy than the threo one; for substrates 1b and 1c, the threo compared to the erythro transition states are by 1.05 and 0.21 kcal/mol more favorable, respectively. The threo/erythro product ratios have been estimated from the computed free energies for the competing threo and erythro transition states 3a-c in CH(2)Cl(2) solution to be 12:88 (1a), 92:8 (1b), and 77:23 (1c), which are in good accordance with the experimental values 22:78 (1a), 91:9 (1b), and 83:17 (1c). The diastereoselectivity of this diastereoselective oxyfunctionalization is rationalized in terms of the competition between (1,3)A and (1,2)A strain and the electronic advantage for the spiro transition state. In addition, solvent effects are also play a role for the diastereoselectivity at the same time.     

Synthesis, IR spectra, crystal structure and DFT studies on 1-acetyl-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(4-methylphenyl)-2-pyrazoline

1-Acetyl-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-(4-methylphenyl)-2-pyrazoline has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and X-ray single crystal diffraction. Density functional (DFT) calculations have been carried out for the title compound by using the B3LYP method at the 6-311G** basis set level. The calculated results show that the predicted geometry can reproduce well the structural parameters. Predicted vibrational frequencies have been assigned and compared with experimental IR spectra and they are supported each other. On the basis of vibrational analyses, the thermodynamic properties of the title compound at different temperatures have been calculated, revealing the correlations between C(0)(p, m), S(0)(m), H(0)(m) and temperatures.     

Ab initio and density functional theory studies of the structure,gas-phase acidity and aromaticity of tetraselenosquaric acid

Results of ab initio self-consistent-field (SCF) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the gas-phase structure,acidity (free energy of deprotonation,G0) and aro-maticity of tetraselenosquaric acid (3,4-diselenyl-3-cy-dobutene-1,2-diselenone,H2C4Se4) are reported.The global minimum found on the potential energy surface of tetraselenosquaric acid presents a planar conformation.The ZZ iso-mer was found to have the lowest energy among the three planar conformers and the ZZ and ZE isomers are very dose in energy.The optimized geometric parameters exhibit a bond length equalization relative to reference compounds,cyclobu-tanediselenone,and cydobutenediselenol.The computed aromatic stabilization energy (ASE) by homodesmotic reaction is -77.4 (MP2(fu)/6 - 311 G //RHF/6 - 311 G) and - 54.8 kJ/mol (B3LYP/6 - 311 G //B3LYP/6 -311 G).The aromaticity of tetraselenosquaric add is indicated by the calculated diamagnetic susceptibility exaltation (A) - 19.13 (CSGT(IGAEM) - RHF/6 - 311 G// RHF/6-     

Bicyclo[3.2.1]octa-3,6-dien-2-yl cation: a bishomoantiaromate

Antiaromatic compounds with a closed loop of 4n p-electrons are relatively unstable and often difficult to study. We report in this article the synthesis of alcohols 2-(4'-fluorophenyl)bicyclo[3.2.1]octan-2-ol 11, 2-(4'-fluorophenyl)bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-en-2-ol 12, and 2-(4'-fluorophenyl)bicyclo[3.2.1]octa-3,6-dien-2-ol 13 and their transformations into corresponding carbocations 14-16, respectively, in a superacidic medium (FSO3H/SO2ClF) at -120 degrees C. Cations 14-16 are characterized by NMR analysis (1H, 13C, 19F), and 15 and 16 are further characterized by quenching in NaOCH3/H3COH at -120 degrees C. The relative stabilities of 14-16 are determined experimentally by 19F NMR spectroscopy. Cation 16 is found to be experimentally less stable than cation 15 by 3.7 kcal/mol. DFT calculations (structure and energy: B3LYP/6-31G(d); NMR: B3LYP/6-311+G(2d,p)) are performed for alcohols 11-13 and bicyclo[3.2.1]octyl cations 6, 7, 9, 14-16, 26, 28, and 30. In the case of 11-16, data from DFT calculations is in good agreement with experimental data. Because 6,7-dimethylenebicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-en-2-yl cation 26 is more stable than cation 7 by 1.69 kcal/mol, the inductive effect of sp(2)-hybridized carbon atoms C6 and C7 in carbocations 6 and 16 cannot be the reason for the destabilization of 6 relative to 7 and 16 relative to 15. Destabilization of 6 relative to 7 and 16 relative to 15 and the calculated NICS of 6 (+4.17 ppm) and 16(+3.3 ppm) document that 6 and 16 are bishomoantiaromates.