Reaction of bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene with the arenesulfenamide—phosphorus(v) oxohalide system: chemo-, regio-, and steroselectivity

The chemo-, regio- and stereoselectivities of electrophilic sulfenylation of bicyclo2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene with arenesulfenamides activated by phosphorus(v) oxohalides were studied. The ratio of the products of endo- to exo-attack of the diene by the electrophilic species depends on the solvent nature. The proportions of the products formed upon addition to one double bond and upon homoallylic participation of the second double bond depend on solvent polarity, the nature of the halogen, the substituents in the sulfenamide benzene ring, and on the reaction time. In addition, the formation of mixed adducts was proven for the reaction carried out in acetonitrile and the formation of disulfenylation products was found in the reaction with excess sulfenylating reagent. Isomerization of exo-3-arylthio-endo-2-halobicyclo2.2.1]hept-5-enes to the products formed with homoallylic participation of the second double bond, exo-5-arylthio-endo-3-halotricyclo2.2.1.0^2,6]heptanes, was shown to be possible.