Abstract
Selectivity in radical chain oligomerizations involving [1.1.1]propellane - i.e., to make [n]staffanes - has been notoriously challenging to control when n > 1 is desired. Herein, we report selective syntheses of SF(5)- and CF(3)SF(4)-containing [2]staffanes from SF(5)Cl and CF(3)SF(4)Cl, demonstrating cases whereby oligomerization is preferentially truncated after incorporation of two bicyclopentane (BCP) units. Synthetic and computational studies suggest this phenomenon can be attributed to alternating radical polarity matching. In addition, single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) data reveal structurally interesting features of the CF(3)SF(4)-containing [2]staffane in the solid state.