The stereochemical course of the thermal isomerization of trans-1-ethenyl-2-phenylcyclopropane to 4-phenylcyclopentene at 216.4 degrees C in the gas phase has been uncovered through syntheses and kinetic studies based on chiral d(9)-labeled analogs. This example of the vinylcyclopropane-to-cyclopentene rearrangement takes place with the participation of all four stereochemically distinct paths, the relative contributions (+/-3%) being 58% si, 8% ar, 24% sr, and 10% al. The stereochemical outcome is determined by alternative diradical transition structures of comparable energy, rather than by orbital symmetry control.