2‐(4′‐Pyridyl‐N‐oxide)‐Substituted Hemithioindigos as Photoresponsive Guests for a Super Aryl‐Extended Calix[4]pyrrole Receptor

We report the synthesis of two 2‐(4′‐pyridyl‐N‐oxide)‐substituted hemithioindigos (HTIs). We probed their photoisomerization by using UV/Vis and ¹H NMR spectroscopy techniques. Light irradiation at λ=450 nm provoked the isomerization of the HTI Z isomer to the E counterpart to a large extent (≈80 % at the photostationary state). ¹H NMR titration experiments revealed the formation of thermodynamically and kinetically stable 1:1 inclusion complexes of the (Z)‐HTI isomers with a super aryl‐extended host (association constant>10⁴ m ^?1). Photoirradiation at λ=450 nm of the inclusion complexes induced the isomerization of the bound HTI N‐oxide to afford the (E)‐HTI?calix[4]pyrrole complex. We determined accurate association constant values for the 1:1 inclusion complexes of the (Z)‐ and (E)‐HTI isomers by using isothermal titration calorimetry experiments. The results showed that the stability constants of the (E)‐HTI complexes were 2.2–2.8‐fold lower than those of the (Z)‐HTI counterparts, which explains the lack of light‐induced release of the former to the bulk solution.     

Contra‐Thermodynamic,Photocatalytic E→Z Isomerization of Styrenyl Boron Species: Vectors to Facilitate Exploration of Two‐Dimensional Chemical Space

Designing strategies to access stereodefined olefinic organoboron species is an important synthetic challenge. Despite significant advances, there is a striking paucity of routes to Z‐α‐substituted styrenyl organoborons. Herein, this strategic imbalance is redressed by exploiting the polarity of the C(sp²)−B bond to activate the neighboring π system, thus enabling a mild, traceless photocatalytic isomerization of readily accessible E‐α‐substituted styrenyl BPins to generate the corresponding Z‐isomers with high fidelity. Preliminary validation of this contra‐thermodynamic E→Z isomerization is demonstrated in a series of stereoretentive transformations to generate Z‐configured trisubstituted alkenes, as well as in a concise synthesis of the anti‐tumor agent Combretastatin A4.     

Contra‐Thermodynamic,Photocatalytic E→Z Isomerization of Styrenyl Boron Species: Vectors to Facilitate Exploration of Two‐Dimensional Chemical Space

Designing strategies to access stereodefined olefinic organoboron species is an important synthetic challenge. Despite significant advances, there is a striking paucity of routes to Z‐α‐substituted styrenyl organoborons. Herein, this strategic imbalance is redressed by exploiting the polarity of the C(sp²)?B bond to activate the neighboring π system, thus enabling a mild, traceless photocatalytic isomerization of readily accessible E‐α‐substituted styrenyl BPins to generate the corresponding Z‐isomers with high fidelity. Preliminary validation of this contra‐thermodynamic E→Z isomerization is demonstrated in a series of stereoretentive transformations to generate Z‐configured trisubstituted alkenes, as well as in a concise synthesis of the anti‐tumor agent Combretastatin A4.     

Pd‐ and Cu‐Catalyzed Stereo‐ and Regiocontrolled Decarboxylative/CH Fluoroalkenylation of Heteroarenes

Pd/Cu‐catalyzed decarboxylative/direct C?H alkenylations of heteroarenes with α‐fluoroacrylic acid is reported. This method offers step‐economical and stereocontrolled access to valuable heteroarylated monofluoroalkenes as both Z and E isomers, which are known to be useful in the synthesis of fluorinated biomolecules.     

Cycloaddition Reactions of 7‐Benzylidenecycloocta‐1,3,5‐triene with Ethenetetracarbonitrile and 4‐Phenyl‐3H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3,5(4H)‐dione

An (E)/(Z) mixture (3 : 2) of 7‐benzylidenecycloocta‐1,3,5‐triene ( 5 ) is obtained when 1‐benzylcycloocta‐1,3,5,7‐tetraene ( 7 ), prepared by an improved procedure, is treated with t‐BuOK in THF. Alternatively, a ca. 9 : 1 mixture (E)/(Z)‐ 5 can be prepared in a Wittig reaction involving benzaldehyde and cycloocta‐2,4,6‐trien‐1‐ylidenetriphenylphoshorane ( 9 ). Treatment of (E)/(Z)‐ 5 88 : 12 with ethenetetracarbonitrile (TCNE) gave a complex mixture of products, from which seven mono‐adducts and two bis‐adducts were isolated (Sect. 2.2.1). Of the mono‐adducts, four are π4+π2 adducts: two ((E)‐ and (Z)‐isomers) are derived from valence tautomers of the two isomers of (E)/(Z)‐ 5 , while it is tentatively suggested that the other two (again (E)‐ and (Z)‐isomers) are formed from the intermediacy of a pentadienyl zwitterion (Sect. 2.3). The remaining three mono‐adducts, two of which are epimers, are π8+π2 adducts. It is suggested that they are derived from the intermediacy of homotropylium zwitterions (Sect. 2.3). For the two bis‐adducts, it is postulated that they are derived from an initial π2+π2 cycloaddition involving the homotropylium zwitterions followed by π4+π2 cycloaddition to the valence tautomer of each of the π2+π2 cycloadducts. With 4‐phenyl‐3H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3,5(4H)‐dione ( 6 ), (E)/(Z)‐ 5 91 : 9 yielded two π4+π2 cycloadducts ((E)‐ and (Z)‐isomers) as well as two epimeric π8+π2 cycloadducts (Sect. 2.2.2). The intermediacy of pentadienyl (tentative suggestion) and homotropylium zwitterions accounts for the formation of the products (Sect. 2.3).     

A New Monomer for π‐Conjugated Polymers — Synthesis and Characterization of Bis((Z)‐5‐phenyl‐2‐phenylmethylidene‐1, 3‐dithiole‐4‐yl)monosulfane

Bis((Z)‐5‐phenyl‐2‐phenylmethylidene‐1, 3‐dithiole‐4‐yl)monosulfane ( 6 ), a molecule consisting of two diphenyldithiafulvene units connected by a sulfur bridge, was synthesized by the selective lithiation of (Z)‐4‐phenyl‐2‐phenylmethylidene‐1, 3‐dithiole ( 7a ) at the endocyclic double bond and by subsequent reaction of the lithiated intermediate with bis(phenylsulfonyl)sulfane. Since this reaction sequence proceeded with retention of configuration, of three possible isomers (E, E, Z, E, and Z, Z) only the Z, Z form was obtained. On the basis of the X‐ray structure analysis and the NMR‐spectroscopic characterization of 6 supplemented by the NMR parameters of (E)‐ and (Z)‐4‐phenyl‐2‐phenylmethylidene‐1, 3‐dithiole, it was demonstrated that two characteristic ⁵J coupling constants of the proton at the exocyclic double bond indicate the configuration (Z or E) of disubstituted dithiafuvene derivatives.     

Z‐sinapinic acid: the change of the stereochemistry of cinnamic acids as rational synthesis of a new matrix for carbohydrate MALDI‐MS analysis

Successful application of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) MS started with the introduction of efficient matrices such as cinnamic acid derivatives (i.e. 3,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid, SA; α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid). Since the empirical founding of these matrices, other commercial available cinnamic acids with different nature and location of substituents at benzene ring were attempted. Rational design and synthesis of new cinnamic acids have been recently described too. Because the presence of a rigid double bond in its molecule structure, cinnamic acids can exist as two different geometric isomers, the E‐form and Z‐form. Commercial available cinnamic acids currently used as matrices are the geometric isomers trans or E (E‐cinnamic and trans‐cinnamic acids). As a new rational design of MALDI matrices, Z‐cinnamic acids were synthesized, and their properties as matrices were studied. Their performance was compared with that of the corresponding E‐isomer and classical crystalline matrices (3,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid; norharmane) in the analysis of neutral/sulfated carbohydrates. Herein, we demonstrate the outstanding performance for Z‐SA. Sulfated oligosaccharides were detected in negative ion mode, and the dissociation of sulfate groups was almost suppressed. Additionally, to better understand the quite different performance of each geometric isomer as matrix, the physical and morphological properties as well as the photochemical stability in solid state were studied. The influence of the E/Z photoisomerization of the matrix during MALDI was evaluated. Finally, molecular modeling (density functional theory study) of the optimized geometry and stereochemistry of E‐cinnamic and Z‐cinnamic acids revealed some factors governing the analyte–matrix interaction. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Catalytic Asymmetric Mannich‐Type Reaction Enabled by Efficient Dienolization of α,β‐Unsaturated Pyrazoleamides†

(E)‐α,β‐Unsaturated pyrazoleamides undergo facile dienolization to furnish copper(I)‐(1Z,3Z)‐dienolates as the major in the presence of a copper(I)‐(R)‐DTBM‐SEGPHOS catalyst and Et₃N, which react with aldimines to afford syn‐vinylogous products as the major diastereoisomers in high regio‐ and enantioselectivities. In some cases, the diastereoselectivity is low, possibly due to the low ratio of copper(I)‐(1Z,3Z)‐dienolates to copper(I)‐(1Z,3E)‐dienolates. (Z)‐Allylcopper(I) species is proposed as effective intermediates, which may form an equilibrium with copper(I)‐(1Z,3Z)‐dienolates. Interestingly, the present methodology is a nice complement to our previous report, in which (E)‐β,γ‐unsaturated pyrazoleamides were employed as the prenucleophiles in the copper(I)‐catalyzed asymmetric vinylogous Mannich‐Type reaction and anti‐vinylogous products were obtained. In the previous reaction, copper(I)‐ (1Z,3E)‐dienolates were generated through α‐deprotonation, which might form an equilibrium with (E)‐allylcopper(I) species. Therefore, it is realized in the presence of a copper(I) catalyst that (E)‐α,β‐unsaturated pyrazoleamides lead to syn‐products and (E)‐β,γ‐unsaturated pyrazoleamides lead to anti‐products. Finally, by use of (E)‐β,γ‐unsaturated pyrazoleamide, (E)‐α,β‐unsaturated pyrazoleamide, (R)‐DTBM‐SEGPHOS, and (S)‐DTBM‐SEGPHOS, the stereodivergent synthesis of all four stereoisomers is successfully carried out. Then by following a three‐step reaction sequence, all four stereoisomers of N‐Boc‐2‐Ph‐3‐Me‐piperidine are synthesized in good yields, which potentially serve as common structure units in pharmaceutically active compounds.     

Stereoselective Synthesis of Vinylboronates by Rh‐Catalyzed Borylation of Stereoisomeric Mixtures

The stereoselective preparation of vinylboronates via rhodium‐catalyzed borylation of E/Z mixtures of vinyl actetates is described, and this method was also extended to synthesis of vinyldiboronates. These transformations feature high functional group compatibility and mild reaction conditions. Control experiments support a mechanism that involved a Rh‐catalyzed borylation‐isomerization sequence. The isomerization of (Z)‐vinylboronates to (E)‐isomers was also demonstrated.     

Annulenoide Tetrathiafulvalene:, 5,16‐Bis(1,3‐benzodithiol‐2‐yliden)‐5,16‐dihydrotetraepoxy‐ und 5,16‐Bis(1,3‐benzodithiol‐2‐yliden)‐5,16‐dihydrotetraepithio[22]annulene(2.1.2.1)

Annulenoid Tetrathiafulvalenes: 5,16‐Bis(1,3‐benzodithiol‐2‐ylidene)‐5,16‐dihydrotetraepoxy‐ and 5,16‐Bis(1,3‐benzodithiol‐2‐ylidene)‐5,16‐dihydrotetraepithio[22]annulenes(2.1.2.1) The title compounds are among the first tetrathiafulvalenes with annulene spacers, here with tetraepoxy‐[22]annulene(2.1.2.1) (see 3a ), tetraepithio[22]annulene(2.1.2.1) (see 3b ), and diepithiodiepoxy[22]annulene(2.1.2.1) (see 23 ) units. The annulenoid tetrathiafulvalenes 3a and 3b are prepared by cyclizing McMurry coupling of the 5,5′‐(1,3‐benzodithiol‐2‐ylidenemethylene)bis[furan‐ or thiophene‐2‐carbaldehydes] ( 8a or 8b , resp.) or by Wittig reaction of (1,3‐benzodithiol‐2‐yl)tributylphosphonium tetrafluoroborate ( 13b ) with tetraepoxy[22]annulene(2.1.2.1)‐1,12‐dione 20 (formation of 3a ) or diepithiodiepoxy[22]annulene(2.1.2.1)‐1,12‐dione 22 (formation of 23 ). The annulenoide tetrathiafulvalene 3a is obtained as a mixture of the isomers (E,E)‐ and (Z,Z)‐ 3a . At 130°, (Z,Z)‐ 3a rearranges quantitatively into the (E,E)‐isomer. Isomer (E,E)‐ 3a is a dynamic molecule, where the (E)‐ethene‐1,2‐diyl bridges rotate around the adjacent σ‐bonds. The tetraepithioannulene derivative 3b as well as 23 only exist in the (Z,Z)‐configuration. The oxidation of (E,E/Z,Z)‐ 3a with Br₂ yields the annulene‐bridged tetrathiafulvalene dication (E,E)‐ 3a _Ox, while with 4,5‐dichloro‐3,6‐dioxocyclohexa‐1,4‐diene‐1,2‐dicarbonitrile (DDQ) obviously only the radical cation 3a _Sem is formed, which belongs to the class of cyanine‐like violenes. The annulenoide tetrathiafulvalenes 3b and 23 , which exist only in the (Z,Z)‐configuration, obviously for steric reasons, cannot be oxidized by DDQ. Electrochemical studies are in agreement with these results.     

One‐Pot Synthesis of (−)‐Oseltamivir and Mechanistic Insights into the Organocatalyzed Michael Reaction

The one‐pot sequential synthesis of (?)‐oseltamivir has been achieved without evaporation or solvent exchange in 36 % yield over seven reactions. The key step was the asymmetric Michael reaction of pentan‐3‐yloxyacetaldehyde with (Z)‐N‐2‐nitroethenylacetamide, catalyzed by a diphenylprolinol silyl ether. The use of a bulky O‐silyl‐substituted diphenylprolinol catalyst, chlorobenzene as a solvent, and HCO₂H as an acid additive, were key to produce the first Michael adduct in both excellent yield and excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity. Investigation into the effect of acid demonstrated that an acid additive accelerates not only the E–Z isomerization of the enamines derived from pentan‐3‐yloxyacetaldehyde with diphenylprolinol silyl ether, but also ring opening of the cyclobutane intermediate and the addition reaction of the enamine to (Z)‐N‐2‐nitroethenylacetamide. The transition‐state model for the Michael reaction of pentan‐3‐yloxyacetaldehyde with (Z)‐N‐2‐nitroethenylacetamide was proposed by consideration of the absolute configuration of the major and minor isomers of the Michael product with the results of the Michael reaction of pentan‐3‐yloxyacetaldehyde with phenylmaleimide and naphthoquinone.     

ortho‐Fluoroazobenzenes: Visible Light Switches with Very Long‐Lived Z Isomers

Improving the photochemical properties of molecular photoswitches is crucial for the development of light‐responsive systems in materials and life sciences. ortho‐Fluoroazobenzenes are a new class of rationally designed photochromic azo compounds with optimized properties, such as the ability to isomerize with visible light only, high photoconversions, and unprecedented robust bistable character. Introducing σ‐electron‐withdrawing F atoms ortho to the N?N unit leads to both an effective separation of the n→π* bands of the E and Z isomers, thus offering the possibility of using these two transitions for selectively inducing E/Z isomerizations, and greatly enhanced thermal stability of the Z isomers. Additional para‐electron‐withdrawing groups (EWGs) work in concert with ortho‐F atoms, giving rise to enhanced separation of the n→π* transitions. A comprehensive study of the effect of substitution on the key photochemical properties of ortho‐fluoroazobenzenes is reported herein. In particular, the position, number, and nature of the EWGs have been varied, and the visible light photoconversions, quantum yields of isomerization, and thermal stabilities have been measured and rationalized by DFT calculations.     

Visible‐Light‐Triggered Molecular Photoswitch Based on Reversible E/Z Isomerization of a 1,2‐Dicyanoethene Derivative

A designed bis(dithienyl) dicyanoethene‐based, strictly E/Z photoswitch (4TCE) operates through state‐selective (E and Z isomer) photoactivation with visible light. The E and Z isomers of 4TCE exhibit remarkably different spectroscopic characteristics, including a large separation (70 nm) in their absorption maxima (λ_max) and a 2.5‐fold increase in molar extinction coefficient from cis to trans. The energetically stable trans form can be completely converted to the cis form within minutes when exposed to white light, whereas the reverse isomerization occurs readily upon irradiation by blue light (λ<480 nm) or completely by thermal conversion at elevated temperatures. These features together with excellent thermal stability and photostability of both isomers make this new E/Z photoswitch a promising building block for photoswitchable materials that operate without the need for UV light.     

Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of (Z + E)‐1‐[4‐(2‐(cyclopentadienyltricarbonylmanganese)‐2‐oxo‐ethoxy)phenyl]‐1,2‐di(p‐hydroxyphenyl)‐but‐1‐ene against breast cancer cells

This paper describes the synthesis of (Z + E)‐1‐[4‐(2‐(cyclopentadienyltricarbonylmanganese)‐2‐oxo‐ethoxy)phenyl]‐1,2‐di(p‐hydroxyphenyl)‐but‐1‐ene. Two synthetic pathways were explored. The best pathway consisted of the alkylation of 1,2‐bis‐[4‐(tert‐butyl‐dimethylsilyloxy)phenyl]‐1‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)but‐1‐ene with BrCH₂COOEt. The ester obtained was transformed into the Weinreb amide by reaction with HN(OMe)Me–HCl. The reaction of lithium manganese tricarbonylcyclopentadienide with the Weinreb amide produced 1‐[4‐(2‐(cyclopentadienyltricarbonylmanganese)‐2‐oxo‐ethoxy)phenyl]‐1,2‐di(p‐tert‐butyldimethylsiloxyphenyl)‐but‐1‐ene. The deprotection of phenolic functions of the latter compound led to the formation of the final compound. The Z and E isomers could be separated but the isomerization of these isomers from one to another is an easy process. The Z + E compound 2 was tested against the hormone‐dependent MCF‐7 and hormone‐independent MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cell lines. The IC₅₀ values of compound 2 were 4.80 ± 2.00 µm and 4.79 ± 0.70 µm for MCF‐7 cells and MDA‐MB‐231 cells, respectively, which was three times better than the ferrocenyl analogue. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Recent Advances in the Z/E Isomers of Tetraphenylethene Derivatives: Stereoselective Synthesis,AIE Mechanism,Photophysical Properties,and Application as Chemical Probes

Focused research on the Z/E isomers of tetraphenylethene (TPE) derivatives is scarce in comparison with the thousands of luminogens with AIE properties (AIEgens) that have been synthesized based on the TPE moiety. The similar chemical and physical properties of the Z/E isomers make them difficult to separate by using conventional chromatographic techniques. However, they can be isolated by introducing polar groups and the pure isomers exhibit very different photophysical properties, mechanochromism, and host–guest coordination, as well as assisting in deciphering the AIE mechanism. In this Minireview, we present an overview of the disagreement regarding the AIE mechanism between the restriction of intramolecular vibration and photoinduced Z/E isomerization. Then, we discuss the development of (Z)‐/(E)‐TPE derivatives, their use in host–guest detection, and their mechanoluminescence properties, with a focus on their photophysical characteristics. Finally, we explore the stereoselective synthesis of pure (Z)‐/(E)‐TPE derivatives.     

Thiophene‐S,S‐dioxidized Indophenine: A Quinoid‐Type Building Block with High Electron Affinity for Constructing n‐Type Polymer Semiconductors with Narrow Band Gaps

Three thiophene‐S,S‐dioxidized indophenine (IDTO) isomers, 3 a (E,E,E), 3 b (Z,E,E), and 3 c (Z,E,Z), were synthesized by oxidation of an indophenine compound. 3 b and 3 c could be converted into the most‐stable 3 a by heating at 110 °C. An IDTO‐containing conjugated polymer, PIDTOTT, was prepared using 3 a as a comonomer through a Stille coupling reaction, and it possesses a narrow band gap and low energy levels. In organic field effect transistors (OFETs), PIDTOTT exhibited unipolar n‐type semiconductor characteristics with unexpectedly high electron mobility (up to 0.14 cm² V^?1 s^?1), despite its rather disordered chain packing.     

Solvent‐Dependent Asymmetric Synthesis of Alkynyl and Monofluoroalkenyl Isoindolinones by CpRhIII‐Catalyzed C−H Activation

The asymmetric synthesis of alkynyl and monofluoroalkenyl isoindolinones from N‐methoxy benzamides and α,α‐difluoromethylene alkynes is enabled by C?H activation with a chiral CpRh^III catalyst. Remarkably, product formation is solvent‐dependent; alkynyl isoindolinones are afforded in MeOH (up to 86 % yield, 99.6 % ee) whereas monofluoroalkenyl isoindolinones are generated in ⁱPrCN (up to 98:2 Z/E, 93 % yield, 86 % ee). Mechanistic studies revealed chiral allene and E‐configured alkenyl rhodium species as reaction intermediates. The latter is transformed into the corresponding Z‐configured monofluoroalkene upon protonation in the ⁱPrCN system and into an alkyne by an unusual anti β‐F elimination in the MeOH system. Notably, kinetic resolution processes occur in this reaction. Despite the moderate enantiocontrol for the formation of the chiral allene, the Z‐monofluoroalkenyl isoindolinones and alkynyl isoindolinones were obtained in good enantiopurities by one or two sequential kinetic resolution processes.     

Rotationally‐hindered furyl fulgides

Fulgides are a representative class of photochromic organic molecules which exhibit several interesting properties for diverse applications in fields such as data storage or high‐resolution spectroscopy. The crystal structures of three furyl fulgides with different steric constraints were determined and for two of the compounds both the E and Z isomer structures were defined. The compounds are 3‐[(E)‐1,3‐dimethyl‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydro‐2‐benzofuran‐4‐ylidene]‐4‐isopropylidenetetrahydrofuran‐2,5‐dione, C₁₇H₁₈O₄, (I‐E), 3‐[(E)‐1,3‐dimethyl‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐4H‐cyclohepta[c]furan‐4‐ylidene]‐4‐isopropylidenetetrahydrofuran‐2,5‐dione, C₁₈H₂₀O₄, (II‐E), and the Z isomer, (II‐Z), and 3‐isopropylidene‐4‐[(E)‐1‐(5‐methoxy‐2‐methyl‐1‐benzofuran‐3‐yl)ethylidene]tetrahydrofuran‐2,5‐dione, C₁₉H₁₈O₅, (III‐E), with two molecules in the asymmetric unit, and the Z isomer, (III‐Z). The structures of the E and Z isomers show only little differences in the bond lengths and angles inside the hexatriene unit. Because of the strained geometry there are deviations in the torsion angles. Furthermore, small differences in the distances between the bond‐forming C atoms in the electrocyclization process give no explanation for the unequal photochromic behaviour.     

Through‐Bond/Through‐Space Anion Relay Chemistry Exploiting Vinylepoxides as Bifunctional Linchpins

The development of new bifunctional linchpins that permit the union of diverse building blocks is essential for the synthetic utility of anion relay chemistry (ARC). The design, synthesis, and validation of three vinylepoxide linchpins for through‐bond/through‐space ARC are now reported. For negative charge migration, this class of bifunctional linchpins employs initial through‐bond ARC by an S_N2′ reaction, followed by through‐space ARC exploiting a 1,4‐Brook rearrangement. The trans‐disubstituted vinylepoxide linchpin yields a mixture of E/Z isomers, whereas the cis‐disubstituted and the trans‐trisubstituted vinylepoxide linchpins proceed to deliver three‐component adducts with excellent E selectivity.     

Novel π2s+π2a Electrocyclization of Triethylenic‐Malonic Acids Exemplified for a One‐Pot Synthesis of New γ‐Dilactones cis‐Fused with a Cyclopentene

A new, easy and rapid synthesis of γ‐dilactones is cis‐fused with a cyclopentenic ring via cyclization of 7‐chlorotriethylenic‐malonic acids. The key step implicates an intramolecular cyclization to a cyclopentenyl cation, according to an electrocyclic π_2s + π_2a conrotatory process. This cyclopentenyl cation led to unstable γ‐lactones intermediates that are rearrange to more stable isomers. δ‐lactones (6Z and 6E‐(3‐chlorobut‐2‐en‐2‐yl)‐5‐methyl‐3,6‐dihydro‐2H‐pyran‐2‐one) were obtained as secondary products. Mechanistic pathways were considered. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were established by elemental and spectral data.