ABSTRACT:The molecular mechanisms for the ring openings of cyclopropanone, 2,2-dimethylcyclopropanone, trans-2,3-di-tert-butylcyclopropanone, and Ž w x X . X spiro bicyclo 2.2.1 heptane-2.1-cyclopropan -2 -one systems were studied at the PM3 semiempirical level in the gas phase and including solvent effects. The behavior of the solvent polarity was considered by using the SCRF polarizable continuum method. Six solvents were selected: hexane, ether, tetrahydrofuran, pyridine, acetone, and acetonitrile. An extensive exploration of the potential energy surface using analytical gradient techniques allows the characterization of stationary points associated to the stereomutation conversion. Along a disrotatory ring-opening mechanism, cyclopropanone, 2,2-dimethylcyclopropanone and trans-2,3-di-tert-butylcyclopropanone are intraconverted Ž w x X via an oxyallyl intermediate. The epimeric forms of the spiro bicyclo 2.2.1 heptane-2.1-.X cyclopropan -2 -one intraconvert along two competitive pathways correspond to two-step processes by a disrotatory ring-opening mechanism. Two oxyallyl intermediates and four transition structures were obtained and the corresponding transition vectors are associated to the carbon᎐carbon bond-breaking process and the dihedral angle measuring the conrotatory movement of the plane defined by the three carbon atoms of the cyclopropanone ring. The oxyallyl intermediates and the transition structures for the four model systems present similar structures and energies and they are located on a ratherCorrespondence to: R. Castillo.