Mechanisms of conformational chirality inversion in bicyclo[4.2.1]nonan-9-one and bicyclo[4.2.2]decane as studied in two-parametric torsional energy surfaces

With the purpose of deciphering conformational inversion processes of typical mobile bicyclic molecules, torsional energy surfaces near the enantiomers of bicyclo4.2.1]nonan-9-one ( 1 ) and bicyclo-4.2.2]decane ( 2 ) were prepared using molecular mechanics with an improved two-bond drive technique. Inversion of 1 takes place most favorably via a C_s transition state with the tetramethylene chain over the ethano bridge 1B , ΔH^± 6.1 (calculated) vs. 6.8 (observed) kcal/mol]. An alternative pathway involving a C_s local energy minimum ( 1C ), in which the tetramethylene chain is bent over the carbonyl, has a barrier 2.4 kcal higher than 1B . The global energy minimum conformation of 2 has boat–chair cyclooctane and twist–boat cyclohexane rings (BCTB ), and enantiomerizes into its mirror image (BCTB ') via three intermediates: TCTB , CB , and TCTB '. The highest point in the proposed pathway, a saddlepoint CB , is calculated to lie 8.0 kcal/mol above BCTB (observed ΔH^± 7.8 kcal/mol). The advantage of the two-parametric over the one-parametric torsional energy surface is discussed.