Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 30, 2026

Versatile CO2 Transformations into Complex Products: A One-pot Two-step Strategy
Published on: November 9, 2019
A strain induced change of mechanism from a [2 + 2 + 2] to a [2 + 1 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition reaction
Anne-Florence Tran-Van1, Silas Götz, Markus Neuburger
1Department of Chemistry, Basel University , St Johanns-Ring 19, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland.
Abstract:
While investigating the [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition as a tool to build up strained oligophenyl systems with a diyne-ethylene glycol macrocyle, a surprising change of mechanism was observed. Instead of the expected [2 + 2 + 2] para-terphenyl, the ortho-terphenyl product explained by a formal [2 + 1 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition was formed. An η(4)-coordinated metal-cyclobutadiene is proposed as the key structure in the catalytic cycle, which is formed to release the induced strain. The optical properties of the ortho-terphenyl products have been measured as well as the coordination ability of Na(+) and K(+).
Related Concept Videos
Cycloaddition Reactions: MO Requirements for Thermal Activation
Cycloaddition Reactions: Overview
[4+2] Cycloaddition of Conjugated Dienes: Diels–Alder Reaction
Cycloaddition Reactions: MO Requirements for Photochemical Activation
[3,3] Sigmatropic Rearrangement of 1,5-Dienes: Cope Rearrangement
Halogenation of Alkenes
Consider the bromination of cyclopentene. Molecular bromine is polarized in the proximity of the π electrons of cyclopentene. An electrophilic bromine atom adds across the double bond, forming a cyclic bromonium ion intermediate.

![Solid-phase Synthesis of [4.4] Spirocyclic Oximes](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F58508.jpg&w=3840&q=50)