Is the reaction sequence in phosphine-catalyzed [8+2] cycloaddition controlled by electrophilicity?

In the presence of multiple electrophiles, the reaction sequence is a critical mechanistic problem. Here, we report a theoretical study on the mechanism of phosphine-catalyzed [8+2] cycloaddition of heptafulvenes and allenoate. DFT calculations showed that electrophilicity is the barrier for nucleophilic attack, while it fails in the prediction of priority.

Automated summary

In the study of the mechanism of phosphine-catalyzed [8+2] cycloaddition, it was found that electrophilicity plays a role in hindering nucleophilic attack but is not predictive of priority.