Bisallyl diradical

The [2 + 2]-cycloaddition of allene proceeds via a stepwise diradical mechanism rather than a concerted one-step mechanism. The allenes come together in a crossed configuration. The bond formation between the central sp carbon atoms is accompanied by a simultaneous conrotatory twisting leading to a perpendicular 2,2 -bisallyl diradical 3. Rotation about the central bond of 3 gives the planar diradical and a disrotatory closure leads to the formation of dimer 2. The stereochemistry of some of the following examples is explained by this mechanism. 

Tetramethylene-ethane (TME), or 2,2/-bis-allyl diradical 81, was suggested as an intermediate in the thermal dimerization of allene, as well as in the interconversions of 1,2-dimethylenecyclobutane 82, methylenespiropentane 83, bis-cyclopropylidene 84 and other bicyclic systems (equation 30)45. The isolation of two different isomeric dimethylene cyclobutanes 87 and 88 (in a ca 2 I ratio) after the thermal rearrangement of the deuteriated 1,2-dimethylene cyclobutane 85 suggests that the rearrangement proceeds via a perpendicular tetramethyleneethane diradical (2,2/-bisallyl) 86 (equation 31)45. 

An alternative mechanistic interpretation of the methylenecyclobutane rearrangement is the postulation of a 2,2 -bisallyl (or 2,3-dimethylenebutane-l,4-diyl) diradical or zwitterionic intermediate.83... 

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