The Racemization of <i>trans</i>-1,2-Divinylcyclopropane

Abstract

The synthesis of (−)-trans-1,2-divinylcyclopropane and the kinetics of its racemization and conversion to 1,4-cycloheptadiene, presumably through cis-1,2-divinylcyclopropane, are described. It is concluded that the ring opening is not an electrocyclic process.