The Four Isomeric 1,3,5-Undecatrienes. Synthesis and configurational assignment

The four geometrical isomers of 1,3,5-undecatriene, 1a–d have been prepared (stereospecifically and non-stereospecifically), using either (1) the Wittig reaction, (2) thermal sigmatropic hydrogen shifts, (3) partial reduction of triple bonds by zinc, or (4) organocopper reagents. The thermal behaviour of the four 1,3,5-undecatrienes has been investigated and the products formed have been characterized. The spectra of 1a–d, and of related compounds, have been discussed in order to corroborate their configurational assignment.