An unexpected double Diels-Alder reaction of (E)-2-bromo-4-aryl-1,3-pentadiene involving [1,5]-hydrogen migration and HBr elimination: synthesis of bicyclo[2.2.2]octene derivatives.

An unexpected double Diels-Alder (DDA) reaction of (E)-2-bromo-4-aryl-1,3-pentadiene was developed and resulted in a series of "butterfly-like" bicyclo[2.2.2]octene derivatives in moderate to good yields without the need for a metal catalyst. The proposed mechanism involves a [1,5]-sigmatropic hydrogen migration and HBr elimination. Through this decisive [1,5]-hydrogen shift step, the electronic properties and steric hindrance of the conjugated diene substrate are completely altered and the DDA reaction of this potential diene synthon is successfully achieved.