Stereospecific reactions Hofmann elimination

Enol lactones are assumed to form from iV-methylisoquinolinium salts as a result of a Hofmann-type degradation process. This P elimination is a highly stereospecific reaction in which Z isomers are produced from precursors of erythro configuration and isomers from threo diastereomers(5,97). This fact seems to suggest that syn rather than the more usual anti elimination takes place. Examination of models indicates, however, that there is a preferred conformation in which the C-8 hydrogen is in the syn and coplanar position to the quaternary nitrogen. This hypothesis was proved correct in experiments carried out in vitro (5,14,15,91-94). 

Alkenes may be obtained by elimination reactions from alkyl haUdes, alcohols, sulfonates or amines. The substitution pattern of the alkene and the stereospecificity of these methods depend quite subtly on the structure of the individual substrate. If the leaving group occupies an unsymmetrical position in a compound, one of two isomeric alkenes can be formed (Scheme 3.1). Elimination to give an alkene bearing the greatest number of alkyl groups is known as the Saytzeff elimination and is commonly found with alkyl halides. When the elimination gives preferentially the less-substituted alkene, it is known as the Hofmann elimination This substitution pattern is commonly foimd with the elimination of alkylammonium salts. In practice, mixtures of alkenes are often obtained. 

In Summary Alkenes are most generally made by E2 reactions. Usually, the thermodynamically more stable internal alkenes are formed faster than the terminal isomers (Saytzev rule). Bulky bases may favor the formation of the products with thermodynamically less stable (e.g., terminal) double bonds (Hofmann rule). Elimination may be stereoselective, producing greater quantities of trans isomers than their cis counterparts from racemic starting materials. It also may be stereospecific, certain haloalkane diastereomers furnishing only one of the two possible stereoisomeric alkenes. 

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