Linear Reactivity‐Selectivity Correlations in Additions of Diarylcarbenium Ions to Alkenes; a Rebuttal of the Reactivity‐Selectivity Principle

Does selectivity increase with decreasing reactivity? No! In a system consisting of diarylcarbenium ions (see previous communication) and alkenes all conceivable types of relationships between reactivity and selectivity were detectable. Moreover, observations within a set of similar reactions show that a certain reactivity‐selectivity behavior is no proof of a certain interaction mechanism.