The log kexovs. log kendo correlation as a mechanistic criterion; on the mechanisms of solvolysis of norbornyl derivatives and base-catalyzed isotope exchange of norbornanones

Abstract

Rate data for the acetolysis of exo-norbornyl-sulfonates have been correlated with those for the corresponding endo isomers. It is shown that the slopes of the log kexovs. log kendo plots reflect the difference in delocalization between the transition states derived from the exo and endo isomers, respectively. The log kexovs. log kendo plot, which is comprised of the parent norbornyl sufonate and its derivatives substituted at the 5, 6, and 7 positions, has a slope of 1.11 ± 0.08, which establishes that σ bridging is absent in the transition state obtained from the exo isomer. A similar analysis of base-catalyzed hydrogen–deuterium exchange rates of norbornanones reveals that exo proton exchange is more sensitive to substituent effects than the corresponding endo process.