Thermal isomerizations of cis,anti,cis-tricyclo[6.4.0.0]dodec-3-ene to trans- and cis,endo-tricyclo[6.2.2.0]dodec-9-ene: diradical conformations and stereochemical outcomes in [1,3] carbon shifts

The gas-phase thermal isomerizations at 315 °C of cis,anti,cis-tricyclo[6.4.0.0^2,7]dodec-3-ene to trans-tricyclo[6.2.2.0^2,7]dodec-9-ene and to cis,endo-tricyclo[6.2.2.0^2,7]dodec-9-ene favor the former, the more geometrically strained product, by a ratio of 2.4:1. These products correspond to suprafacial inversion (si) and suprafacial retention (sr) stereochemical outcomes. The reaction stereochemistry shown by the 11-carbon homolog, cis,anti,cis-tricyclo[6.3.0.0^2,7]undec-3-ene, is strikingly different: the [1,3] carbon shift takes place to give only the ‘forbidden’ sr product. Two related bicyclic vinylcyclobutanes, 8-deuterio- and 8-exo-methylbicyclo[4.2.0]oct-2-enes, evidence contrasting reaction stereochemical predilections in [1,3] shifts, but the 12-carbon tricyclic system and the 8-exo-methyl bicyclic analog isomerize with the same si:sr ratio! These observations prompt fresh considerations of structural influences on conformational preferences available to the alkyl, allyl diradical reactive intermediates involved.