Journal of the American Chemical Society, Vol.116, No.15, 6683-6689, 1994
Regioselective Addition of Atomic-Hydrogen to Olefins - Reversible 1-Methyl-5-Hexenyl Radical Cyclization in the Solution-Phase Hydrogenation
The solution-phase reactions of microwave-generated hydrogen atoms with terminal olefins is regioselective. Since addition is to the terminal end of the olefin, the reaction yields a secondary radical which undergoes either reaction with molecular or atomic hydrogen, disproportionation, combination, or addition to another olefin, and in the case of hydrogen atom addition to 1,6-heptadiene, cyclization. The cyclized radicals are formed reversibly, and the final product mixture contains only minor amounts of cis-1,2-dimethylcyclopentane (the product of kinetic control) while the major cyclized product is methylcyclohexane. Although an equilibrium mixture could not be obtained, the dimethylcyclopentyl and 3-methylcyclohexyl radicals were shown to be formed reversibly.
Keywords:SINGLE ELECTRON-TRANSFER;RING-CLOSURE;STEREO-SELECTIVITY;REGIO-SELECTIVITY;ORGANIC HALIDES;ALKYL RADICALS;RATE CONSTANTS;CAGE REACTIONS;GAS-PHASE;H-ATOMS