The functionalized 2,3-epoxypinanes 1b-i were submitted to isomerization in the presence of ZnBr2 at 110 degrees (Table 1) or of BF3. Et2O at different temperatures (Table 2), and their behavior was compared with that of the non-functionalized parent 1a and with similar known transpositions. The produced campholenals 2, pinocamphones 3, and in some cases, fencholenals 4 were isolated and characterized. A mechanism involving a concerted oxirane ring opening is proposed (Scheme 4).
The decomposition of allylic peroxides in methyl thioglycolate always leads to both epoxide and adduct peroxide. According to the nature of the allylic chain, either epoxide or peroxide is the predominant product, if not the only one. It is the first example where the hydrogen transfer is as fast as the intramolecular homolytic substitution. The influence of different factors upon the competition is studied.