Photochemistry of 1‐Methoxybicyclo[2.2.2] octenones; Photolytic Cyclopropane Cleavage of the Initially Formed Tricyclo [3.3.0.0^2,8]octan‐3‐ones

Abstract

The mechanism of the photochemical conversion of the bicyclic ketone 1. R  CH2CH2OCH3, into the 1, 4-diketone 3 has been elucidated. The intermediate involved in the conversion is the tricycle 2 (R′OCH3), which reacts further via a diradical to give the diquinane 3; such compounds are valuable synthetic building blocks, e.g. for natural products.