M06-2X/6-31+G(d,p)
computations are reported for the 8π–6π
electrocyclization cascades of 1,3,5,7-tetraenes. The rate-determining
step for these cascades is typically the second (6π) ring closure.
According to experiment and theory, un- and monosubstituted tetraenes
readily undergo 8π electrocyclic ring closure to form 1,3,5-cyclooctatrienes;
however, the 6π electrocyclizations of these cyclooctatriene
intermediates are slow and reversible, and mixtures of monocyclic
and bicyclic products are formed. Computations indicate that di- and
trisubstituted tetraenes undergo facile but less exergonic 8π
electrocyclization due to a steric clash that destabilizes the 1,3,5-cyclooctatriene
intermediates. Relief of this steric clash ensures the subsequent
6π ring closures of these intermediates are both kinetically
facile and thermodynamically favorable, and only the bicyclic products
are observed for the cascade reactions of naturally occurring tri-
and tetrasubstituted tetraenes (in agreement with computations). The
6π electrocyclization step of these cascade electrocyclizations
is also potentially diastereoselective, and di- and trisubstituted
tetraenes often undergo cascade reactions with high diastereoselectivities.
The exo mode of ring closure is favored for these
6π electrocyclizations due to a steric interaction that destabilizes
the endo transition state. Thus, theory explains
both the recalcitrance of the unsubstituted 1,3,5,7-octatetraene and
1-substituted tetraenes toward formation of the bicyclo[4.2.0]octa-2,4-diene
products, as well as the ease and the stereoselectivity with which
terminal di- and trisubstituted tetraenes are known to react biosynthetically.