Site selectivity in the reaction of tetracyanoethene with tetracyclo [5.3.2.02,10. 03,6] dodeca-4,8,11-triene

Tetracyanoethene reacted with tetracyclo [5.3.2.02,10.03.6] dodeca-4,8,11-triene (1) according to two competitive reaction modes, both involving the sole homotropilidene moiety, to give a mixture of adducts 4 and 6. Structure 6 was established by X-ray analysis. Compounds 4 and 6 result from a thermally allowed homocycloaddition and a forbidden[Π25 + σ25+ Π2s+Π2s] reaction, respectively. The reaction rate and the 6:4 ratio increased on passing from benzene to nitromethane as reaction medium. The homo-Dies-Alder reaction leading to 4 was shown to be reversible. In methanol compound 4 gave rise to a zwitterion which was trapped by solvent. Reaction mechanisms are discussed. A zwitterion is proposed as intermediate on the pathway to 6 whereas experimental findings do not permit a definitive choice between an ionic two step and a concerted cycloaddition in the formation of 4. The neutral and base catalyzed addition of methanol to the tetracyanoethylene moiety of 4, 6 and related derivatives was also investigated.