Organic reactions in a solid matrix-III: Silica gel-induced oxirane rearrangements

Abstract

1-methyl-1,2-epoxycycloheptane, 2 α ,3 α -epoxypinane and 3 α ,4 α-epoxycarane are shown to undergo typical carbonium ion rearrangements in contact with active silica gel. Humulene epoxide-II and caryophyllene oxide did not undergo any transformation under these conditions. All these results are in complete contrast to their behaviour on exposure to alumina.