Singly occupied molecular orbital natural products

It is important to note here that both of the 5-exo radical cyclizations (133—>132—>131, Scheme 27) must proceed in a cis fashion the transition state leading to a strained mms-fused bicy-clo[3.3.0]octane does not permit efficient overlap between the singly occupied molecular orbital (SOMO) of the radical and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the alkene. The relative orientation of the two side chains in the monocyclic radical precursor 134 is thus very significant because it dictates the relationship between the two outer rings (i. e. syn or anti) in the tricyclic product. The cis-anti-cis ring fusion stereochemistry of hirsutene would arise naturally from a cyclization precursor with trans-disposed side chain appendages (see 134). 

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