Chapter 8, Problem 104P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: In accordance with Bredt’s rule, it should be explained that why there cannot be a double bond at a bridgehead carbon atom.

Concept introduction:

• Bredt’s rule: This rule states that a bridged bicyclic compound cannot have a double bond at the bridgehead position unless one of the rings contains at least 8 carbon atoms.

According to this rule stable and unstable molecule is mentioned below,

The first compound is stable. Although double bond is at bridgehead, the system is not bridged

But the second compound is the good example to illustrate the violation of this rule. This compound is unstable because double bond is at bridgehead and ring contains only 6 carbons.