Studies directed toward the synthesis of FS-2: observations on the fragmentation of cyclobutylcarbinyl radicals

Studies directed toward a synthesis of the sesquiterpene FS-2 have permitted an investigation of the fragmentation of a cyclobutylcarbinyl radical that preferentially cleaves to give the more stable of two possible radicals. This observation is contrasted with the results obtained in an analogous cyclobutyloxy radical fragmentation.