Diyne cyclization in camphor derivatives - Experimental and theoretical investigation

Derivatives of 3-oxo-camphorsulfonimide (1) with two phenylethynyl groups in the endo positions at the carbons C-2 and C-3 were prepared, and their reactivity towards halogenes and titanium chloride was studied. In every case, the two ethynyl groups led to the annulation of a five-membered ring to the bicyclo[2.2.1] system in an orientation which depends on the bulkiness of the additional substituent in position 3. NMR studies show that cationic species like 6 and 8 are the first detectable intermediates. They not only contain the fused five-membered ring but also a bond between its exocyclic methylene carbon and an oxygen atom of the sulfonyl group, thus transferring the positive charge mainly to sulfur. Semiempirical calculations (PM3) suggest two intermediates in the formation of such cations.