Author

Dana DiDonato

Abstract

Simple hydroboration of a cyclopropane ring is not a reaction that is easily carried out. Attempts to hydroborate the three membered ring of quadricyciane, however are encouraged by the high strain energy (96 kcal/mol) of this tetracyclic system. Observation of nortricyclanol product would be taken as a sign of a successful oxidative hydroboration of quadricyciane. Some minor successes in earlier hydroborations of quadricyciane with a Rh (I) reagent, Wilkinson's catalyst, encouraged us. Wilkinson's catalyst was however better at inducing isomerization to norbornadiene than hydroboration of quadricyciane. The main focus of our research is the hydroboration of quadricyciane using RhCl3 since this rhodium reagent was very effective in promoting hydroboration of alkenes. Using RhCl3 we carried out this reaction under various conditions and we were unable to produce nortricyclanol. We have studied the ability of RhCl3 to isomerize quadricyciane to norbornadiene and as expected, the ease of this reaction suggests a the reason why nortricyclanol is not produced.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Hydroboration; Rhodium catalysts; Isomerization; Hydrocarbons

Publication Date

6-1-2001

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

School of Chemistry and Materials Science (COS)

Advisor

Morrill, Terence

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: QD281.H78 D536 2001

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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