The fractional-power viscosity dependence of the product ratio [2]/[3] approximately eta(alpha(3)-alpha(2)) manifests the different free-volume requirements for the methylene (k(3) approximately eta(alpha)(3)) versus methyl (k(2) approximately eta(alpha)(2)) migrations. The syn/anti-conformational changes (k(1), k(-1)) in the radical cation 1(*+) proceed faster than the structural transformations (k(2), k(3)), which constitutes the first Curtin-Hammett case in radical-cation rearrangements.

The electron-transfer-catalyzed rearrangement of the annelated housane 4a on treatment with tris(p-bromophenyl)aminium hexachloroantimonate (TBA(*)(+)SbCl(6)(-)) affords regioselectively the two isomeric olefins endo-5a and 6a by 1,2 migration of the two groups at the methano bridge. Acid-catalyzed rearrangement gives in addition to endo 5a and 6a also the regioisomer endo-7a as major product. The formation of both rearrangement products endo-5a and 6a suggests a planar conformation for the radical-cation and carbocation intermediates. The regioselectivity is rationalized in terms of electronic stabilization of the radical versus cationic sites by the substituent at the rearrangement termini in the radical-cation and carbocation intermediates. Of interest for preparative purposes, the annelated housane 4a leads under electron-transfer conditions to unusual triquinane-related olefins by means of an unprecedented synthetic pathway.

The electron-transfer-catalyzed rearrangement of the housanes 1 affords regioselectively the two cyclopentenes 2 and 3 by 1,2-migration of a group at the methano bridge. Appropriate ring annelation in the intermediary cyclopentane-1,3-diyl radical cation 1 •+ changes the stereochemical course of the rearrangement from complete stereoselectivity (stereochemical memory) for the structurally simple housane 1b to partial loss of stereoselectivity through competing conformational interconversion for the tricyclic housane 1c. Additional cyclohexane annelation, as in the tetracyclic housane 1a, results in complete loss of stereocontrol through Curtin-Hammett behavior, as substantiated by the viscosity dependence on the product ratio of the rearrangement. Whereas in the radical cations 1b •+ and 1c •+ the 1,2-shifts (k2 and k3) are faster than the conformational anti h syn change (k1, k-1), the reverse applies for the radical cation 1a •+ . Such structural manipulation of conformational effects in radical cation rearrangements has hitherto not been documented.

A general synthesis of tetronic acid derivatives, namely 4-aroyl-3-alkoxy-2(5H)-furanones, is achieved via the treatment of an anhydrous dimethylformamide (DMF) solution of 4-aroyl-3-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanones with 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) as base at -10-0°C, followed by the addition of alkyl iodide. Their structural assignments are based on spectroscopic data and confirmed by X-ray crystallography. These furanones were used as starting materials for the preparation of furodiazepines.