The [3+2] cycloaddition (32CA) reaction of benzonitrile oxide to α-methylene cyclopentanone and propionitrile oxide to γ-methyl-α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone, yielding regio- and stereochemically defined spiroisoxazolines, has been studied at the MPWB1K/6-311G(d,p) computational level. These processes proceed by a one-step mechanism through asynchronous transition states. Ortho regioselectivity and anti diastereofacial selectivity are predicted in complete agreement with the experimental outcomes.
Keywords: Activation energy; Spiroisoxazolines; Transition state.