Q39E

Question


The following reaction is an example of a [2,3] sigmatropic rearrangement. Would you expect the reaction to be suprafacial or antarafacial? Explain.



Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer


A [2,3] sigmatropic rearrangement involves three electron pairs (one π bond, one lone pair, and one σ bond), the orbital-symmetry rules predict a suprafacial reaction



1Step 1: Orbital-symmetry rules

A [2,3] sigmatropic rearrangement involves three electron pairs (one π bond, one lone pair, and one σ bond), the orbital-symmetry rules predict a suprafacial reaction. 

 

According to the rules 

 

Electron pairs (double bonds)

Thermal reaction

Photochemical reaction

 

Even number

Antarafacial

Suprafacial

Odd number

Suprafacial

Antarafacial

 

2Step 2: Mechanism


The mechanism for [2,3] sigmatropic rearrangement is shown as: