The tandem [4+2]/[3+2] cycloaddition of nitroalkenes has been employed in the synthesis of1-azafenestranes, molecules of theoretical interest because of planarizing distortion of their central carbonatoms. The synthesis of
c,
c,
c,
c-[5.5.5.5]-1-azafenestrane was completed in good yield from a substitutednitrocyclopentene, and its borane adduct was analyzed through X-ray crystallography, which showed amoderate distortion from ideal tetrahedral geometry. The syntheses of two members of the [4.5.5.5] familyof 1-azafenestranes are also reported, including one with a trans fusion at a bicyclic ring junction whichbrings about considerable planarization of one of the central angles (16.8
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deviation from tetrahedralgeometry). While investigating the [4.5.5.5]-1-azafenestranes, a novel dyotropic rearrangement that convertsnitroso acetals into tetracyclic aminals was discovered. Through conformational analysis, a means to preventthis molecular reorganization was formulated and realized experimentally with the use of a bulky vinylether in the key [4+2] cycloaddition reaction. Finally, DFT calculations on relative strain energy for the1-azafenestranes, as well as their predicted central angles, are disclosed.