The Synthesis of 5,6-Disubstituted Bicyclo[2.1.1]hexenes and 2,3-Dihalotricyclo[2.1.1.0^5,6]hexanes

Abstract

Now that benzvalene (I), the highly strained structural isomer of benzene has become a readily available compound², it is possible to investigate its chemistry as well as the chemistry of compounds derived from it that were previously unknown or obtainable only with great difficulty. For example, there are relatively few

methods known for synthesizing bicyclo[2.1.1]hexenes (II)³ or tricyclo[2.1.1.0^5,6]hexanes (III)⁴. We report herein the straightforward synthesis of compounds with these ring systems and their not so straightforward reactions and rearrangements.