Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies. XXVII. Homoenolization of Fenchone. A Mechanistic Study Utilizing C And H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Deuterium exchange occurs at five β positions in fenchone under homoenolization conditions (t-BuO−–t-BuOD, 185°), C-6(exo and endo), C-8, C-9, and C-10. Both13C and 2H n.m.r. methods were employed to monitor deuterium incorporation and the particular advantages of the latter are illustrated. The relative rates of the five exchange processes were determined directly by 2H n.m.r. in contrast to the earlier homoenolization studies for which the stereoselectivity of exchange was established indirectly. The intermediate homoenolate ion can lead to rearrangement and the rearrangement products have been characterized by 13C n.m.r. as the 3,3,6-trimethyl-norcamphors. Homoenolization of this mixture gave further evidence on the stereochemistry of homoenolate formation.