Stereochemistry of [n,m] Sigmatropic Rearrangements
Basically, [n,m] sigmatropic rearrangements can proceed through a chair or boat transition state. Only the chair transition state has been observed experimentally though both are suprafacial and are allowed in 4n+2 electron systems.
Chair and boat transition states in [n,m] sigmatropic rearrangements
Fig.1Chair
Fig.2Boat
Examples for sigmatropic rearrangements with a chair transition state
Fig.3Cope rearrangement
Fig.4[3,3] Sigmatropic
6 Electrons
Hückel aromatic
Supra-supra
view animation, 2D Animation of the Cope rearrangement
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Large substituents similar to their behavior in chair conformations of cyclohexane rings prefer an equatorial configuration in the transition state of [3,3] sigmatropic reactions. Heating S,S-3,4-dimethyl-1,5-hexadiene to approximately 200°C yields in 90% a product derived from a chair transition state with equatorial methyl groups. The product arising from a diaxial conformation is formed in only 10% yield. Obviously, the reaction does not proceed through the boat transition state.