Inductivity and Bridging in 2-Bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl Cations. Polar Effects,Part 11

The solvolysis rates and products of several 6-substituted 2-exo- and 2-endo-Bicyclo2.2.2]octyl p-toluenesulfonates, 12 and 13 , respectively, are reported. Inductivity, as measured by the reaction constants ρ_I, is considerably less in the exo-series 12 (ρ_I = ?1.50) than in the corresponding 2-exo-norbornyl p-toluenesulfonates 1 (ρ_I= ?2.0). It is proposed that, for geometrical reasons, bridging of the cationic center C(2) by C(6) is not as strong in the bicyclooctane series 12 as it is in the norbornane series 1 . On the other hand, inductivity is higher in the 2-endo-bicyclooctane series 13 (ρ_I= ?1.0) than in the corresponding 2-endo-norbornane series 3 (ρ_I = 0.78), probably, because in the former case bridging of C(6) is less hindered by the departing anion. The relative yields of exo- and endo-substitution products from the series 12 and 13 , are in accord with graded bridging of C(6) in the incipient bicyclooctyl cations. But almost constant bridging of C(2) by C(7) is indicated in the ionization of the 2-endo-bicyclooctane series 13 . Consequently, in the free unsubstituted bicyclooctane cation C(2) is bridged symmetrically by C(6) and C(7), in contrast to the current concept of ‘non-classical’ two-electron-three-center bonding.