Synthesis of chiral (R)-4-hydroxy- and (R)-4-halogeno[2.2]paracyclophanes and group polarizability. Optical rotation relationship

(R)-4-Hydroxy-, -4-fluoro-, -4-bromo-, and -4-iodo[2.2]paracyclophanes have been prepared and their absolute configuration assigned on the basis of chemical correlations. Different relationships between the specific optical rotation and the group polarizability have been found depending on the ability of the substituents to conjugate with the aromatic ring. At least for 4,7-disubstituted [2.2]paracyclophanes, the effects of the substituents on the specific rotation seem to be additive, independent of the wavelength used. An equation has been derived which allows to predict, to a satisfactory approximation, the [a] values of 4-X-7-methyl[2.2]paracyclophanes whenever the group polarizability of the substituents is known.