1-[(E)-2-Arylethenyl]-2,2-diphenylcyclopropanes: Kinetics and Mechanism of Rearrangement to Cyclopentenes

Johann Mulzer, Rolf Huisgen, Vladimir Arion, Reiner Sustmann

Kinetic measurements for the thermal rearrangement of 2,2-diphenyl-1-[(E)-styryl]cyclopropane (22a) to 3,4,4-triphenylcyclopent-1-ene (23a) in decalin furnished ΔH=31.0±1.2 kcal mol⁻¹ and ΔS=−6.0±2.6 e.u. The lowering of ΔH^≠ by 20 kcal mol⁻¹, compared with the rearrangement of the vinylcyclopropane parent, is ascribed to the stabilization of a transition structure (TS) with allylic diradical character. The racemization of (+)-(S)-22a proceeds with ΔH=28.2±0.8 kcal mol⁻¹ and ΔS=−5±2 e.u., and is at 150° 106 times faster than the rearrangement. Seven further 1-(2-arylethenyl)-2,2-diphenylcyclopropanes 22, (E)- and (Z)-isomers, were synthesized and characterized. The (E)-compounds showed only modest substituent influence in their k_rac (at 119.4°) and k_isom (at 159.3°) values. The lack of solvent dependence of rate opposes charge separation in the TS, but a linear relation of log k_rac with log p.r.f., i.e., partial rate factors of radical phenylations of ArH, agrees with a diradical TS. The ring-opening of the preponderant s-trans-conformation of 22 gives rise to the 1-exo-phenylallyl radical 26 that bears the diphenylethyl radical in 3-exo-position, and is responsible for racemization. The 1-exo-3-endo-substituted allylic diradical 27 arises from the minor s-gauche-conformation of 22 and is capable of closing the three- or the five-membered ring, 22 or 23, respectively. The discussion centers on the question whether the allylic diradical is an intermediate or merely a TS. Quantum-chemical calculations by Houk et al. (1997) for the parent vinylcyclopropane reveal the lack of an intermediate. Can the conjugation of the allylic diradical with three Ph groups carve the well of an intermediate?