The [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reaction of an α-santonin derivative, which has an exocyclic C⁻C double bond, with p-bromophenyl nitrile oxide yielding only one spiroisoxazoline, has been studied within the molecular electron density theory (MEDT) at the MPWB1K/6-311G(d,p) computational level. Analysis of the conceptual density functional theory (CDFT) reactivity indices and the global electron density transfer (GEDT) account for the non-polar character of this zwitterionic-type 32CA reaction, which presents an activation enthalpy of 13.3 kcal·mol-1. This 32CA reaction takes place with total ortho regioselectivity and syn diastereofacial selectivity involving the exocyclic C⁻C double bond, which is in complete agreement with the experimental outcomes. While the C⁻C bond formation involving the β-conjugated carbon of α-santonin derivative is more favorable than the C⁻O one, which is responsible for the ortho regioselectivity, the favorable electronic interactions taking place between the oxygen of the nitrile oxide and two axial hydrogen atoms of the α-santonin derivative are responsible for the syn diastereofacial selectivity.
Keywords: [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions; diastereofacial selectivity; molecular electron density theory; nitrile oxides; regioselectivity; α-santonin.