The process begins with ionization of pyrophosphate, giving a cyclopropylcarbinyl cation. The cation rearranges by a 1,2-migration of a cyclopropane C–C bond to the carbocation, forming the bond shown in blue to give a cyclobutyl carbocation. Subsequently, a second 1,2-migration occurs to form another cyclopropylcarbinyl cation, with the cation resting on a tertiary carbon.
This reaction begins with the ionization of pyrophosphate, leading to the formation of a cyclopropylcarbinyl cation. The cation then undergoes a 1,2-migration of a cyclopropane C–C bond to form a cyclobutyl carbocation, and subsequently, another 1,2-migration occurs to yield an additional cyclopropylcarbinyl cation, which is located on a tertiary carbon atom.