Retention of configuration at C-1 of the allyl group in a photochemical 1,3-allylic shift of a benzyl group
Abstract
On direct u.v. irradiation cis-2-methyl-3-phenyldicyanomethylenecyclohexane (IV) rearranges to 2,2-dicyano-3-phenylethylidenecyclohexane (V), in which the methyl group is trans to the gem-dicyano-group; this constitutes a 1,3-shift of the benzylic centre with retention of configuration at C-1 of the dicyano-allyl group.