Strain-induced mechanism change: the limit of strain tolerance in intramolecular nucleophilic substitution?
Abstract
The limit of strain energy differential for intramolecular nucleophilic substitution via a sulfonyl-stabilised carbanion to give cyclopropane analogues in hydroxylic solvents is around 160 kJ mol–1; above this level, concerted, albeit unactivated, 1,2-elimination is preferred.