Mechanistic Definition of Trimethylstannylation of 1,3-Dihaloadamantanes: Delocalized Radical Anions as Possible Intermediates

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo00078a009

A series of 1,3-dihaloadamantanes (3, X = Y = halogens) have been synthesized, characterized, and treated with (trimethylstannyl) alkali reagents (Me3SnM, M = Li or Na) in the absence and presence of tert-butylamine (TBA) and dicyclohexylphosphine (DCPH).The product distributions of these reactions have been established by 13C and 119Sn NMR spectroscopy and vapour-phase chromatographic analyses.The substitution via an S_RN1-type pathway is shown to be a significant reaction for several of the derivatives of 3 (X = F, Y = Br or I; X = Cl, Y = Br or I; X = Y = Br) but not for the bromo iodide or diiodide (3, X = Br, Y = I and X = Y =I).For the latter two compounds, the formation of 1,3-dehydroadamantane or propellane 8 is the predominant reaction product while tin substitution is insignificant.Propellane 8 formation is also a significant reaction product for some of the other dihalo derivatives of 3 (X = Cl, Y = I and X = Y = Br) but not for others (3, X = F, Y = Br or I and X = Cl, Y = Br).The mechanism of formation of 8 is perplexing in light of the trapping experiments in the presence of TBA and DCPH.A possible pathway is proposed in wich the key intermediate is a delocalized radical anion.