The synthesis, characterization, and thermal isomerization of some 1,1,2,2-tetraarylcyclopropanes
The synthesis and spectral characterization of an extensive series of 1,1,2,2-tetraarylcyclopropanes are reported. The effects of substituents on the 13Cmr and 1Hmr chemical shifts are examined in detail. In a series of symmetrically substituted derivatives, the, 13Cmr chemical shifts correlate with ΣσR0. This correlation is only observed in cases where the Cα—Cβ bond has no net polarity. Details of the thermal isomerization of those derivatives for which the possibility of cis and trans configurations exists are also reported. Trends in the Arrhenius parameters provide evidence for the biradical character of the transition state. Other data supporting the biradical character of the transition state are discussed.