Reaction, preferential transannular

The larger (Z,Z)-l,5-cyclononadiene (169) reacts141 stereoselectively with PhSeCl in AcOH to give the substituted hydrindan 170 (equation 138). In consideration of the anti addition mode of selenenyl reagents to double bonds, the transannular reactions of 169 have been rationalized on the basis of the two reaction intermediates, 171 or 172, which are liable to place the PhSe- and AcO- groups in a cis- 1,4-relationship and trans to the bridgehead hydrogen (equation 139). The preferential formation of 170 has thus been attributed to the fact that the pathway via 172 should involve a boat transition state. 

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