Effect of iminic nitrogen substituents on [4+2] versus [3+2] cycloaddition pathways in reactions of nitrosoalkenes with simple acyclic imines: an experimental and theoretical investigation

The results of experimental and theoretical investigations on the mechanism of competitive [3+2] versus [4+2] cycloaddition reactions of simple acyclic imines with nitrosoalkenes are reported. The effect of substituents on the iminic nitrogen in influencing the cycloaddition pathways has been meticulously explored.