The outcome of pericyclic reactions con depend most simply on three conditions, any two of which determine the third. Whether the catalyst is Δ or hν (heat or light), the topology determining any stereochemistry and the participating electron count (4n+2/4n). It is always neat to conjure up a simple switch to toggle these; heat or light is simple, but what are the options for toggling the electron count? Here is one I have contrived by playing a game with the periodic table.
‡Things are likely to get more complicated when one starts playing with the spin state of the molecule. Here it is modelled as a closed shell singlet, but open shell (triplets) may well also decide to get involved. †By virtue of a hidden intermediate (HI), which can be seen at IRC = +2, where the symmetry breaks and an unsymmetrical product forms exothermically. This really is an artefact of using just a naked Be atom in our game.
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