In pericyclic reactions, explanation by orbital interactions give a better picture than simple discrete electron transfers.
It is, nevertheless, possible to draw the curved arrows for a sequence of discrete electron transfers that give the same result as a rearrangement reaction, although these are not necessarily realistic.
Skeletal isomerization is not normally encountered in the laboratory, but is the basis of large applications in oil refineries.
In general, straight-chain alkanes are converted to branched isomers by heating in the presence of a catalyst.
In this example (ethenolysis, a pair of vinyl compounds form a new symmetrical alkene with expulsion of ethylene.