Reactivity and regiochemical behavior in the solvolysis reactions of (2,2-difluorocyclopropyl)methyl tosylates

The rate constants for acetolysis of (2,2-difluorocyclopropyl)methyl tosylate, and (2,2-difluoro-3-methylcyclopropyl)methyl tosylate at 92 °C and of 1-(2,2-difluorocyclopropyl)ethyl tosylate at 42 °C are reported and the reactivities and regiochemistries of ring opening of these systems are discussed and compared with expectations based on computational results. The results are discussed in terms of the use of (2,2-difluorocyclopropyl)methyl systems as mechanistic probes.