A new synthesis of cyclobutenedione (1) is described. It is found that the tricyclic cyclobutanedione 3 splits into 1 and cyclopentadiene if subjected to flash pyrolysis conditions. The dienophilic reactivity of 1 allows the construction of various polycyclic cyclobutanediones, such as 3–5 and 12–14. Other new polycyclic diones, like 9–11, 15 and 16 are prepared by means of the acyloin condensation. The low stereoselectivity of 1 with cyclopentadiene is compared with the selectivity of other cyclobutenes, and the results are placed in the context of secondary interactions and steric hindrance. The unusual colour properties of these diones, from colourless 1 to blue 6 are investigated by means of photoelectron spectroscopic measurements and semi‐empirical calculations (MNDO, HAM/3, CNDO/S‐CI).
The proton spectra of exo-and end0-3-thiatricyclo[4.2.1.0~'~]non-7-ene 3,3-dioxide have been analysed and completely assigned. Considerations of coupling constants indicate that the thietane ring is nonplanar and that the norbornene residue is significantly distorted from the geometry of norbornene itself. The sulfone group induces significant changes in the shielding of the proximate olefinic proton in the endo isomer and the bridge protons in the ex0 isomer. These shifts appear to be the result of the electrostatic effects and effects associated with the diagmagnetic anisotropy of the sulfone group.
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