Photochemical reactions. 152nd Communication. Photochemistry of acylsilanes; photolysis and thermolysis of cyclopropyl silyl ketones

The photolysis and thermolysis of the Cyclopropyl silyl ketones 3, 4 , and 5 are described. On n,π* excitation, the silyl ketones 3 and 4 undergo a Norrish-type-II reaction involving γ-H abstraction, cyclopropyl ring cleavage followed by retro-enolization to the acylsilanes 6 and (E/Z)- 12 , respectively. As a common product of 3 and 4 , the dihydrofuran 7 is formed via the alternative C(α)-C(β) cleavage of the cyclopropyl moiety. Compounds 6 , 7 , and (E/Z)- 12 are new types of acylsilane photoproducts. The irradiation of acylsilane 5 gave the analogous dihydrofuran 15 as the only product. On photolysis of 3 and 4 , products 8A + B and 13A + B , derived from a siloxy carbene intermediate, were found as well. On thermolysis of 3 and 4 , the acylsilanes 6 (80%), and (E)- 12 (33%) and (Z)- 12 (34%), respectively, are formed as the only products. Their formation may occur via a [1, 5] sigmatropic H-shift. The thermolysis of 5 gave the diene 16 whose formation can be explained by insertion of a siloxycarbene into the neighboring cyclopropane leading to the cyclobutene 28 as thermally unstable intermediate.     

Photochemical Reactions. 153th communication. Photochemistry of acylsilanes: Photolyses and thermolyses of α,β-epoxy silyl ketones

The photolyses and thermolyses of the α,β-epoxy silyl ketones 5 and 6 are described. On n,π*-excitation, the silyl ketones 5 and 6 were transformed to the ketone 7 and the ketene 8 in quantitative yield. The formation of 8 may be explained by initial cleavage of the C(α)? O bond and subsequent C(1)→C(2) migration of the (t-Bu)Me₂Si group. In contrast to the acylsilanes 5 and 6 , the photolyses of the analogous methyl ketones 11 and 12 gave a very complex mixture of products. On thermolysis, 5 and 6 yielded the ketone 7 and the acetylenic compound 9 , which were probably formed via a siloxycarbene intermediate. In addition, the 1,3-dioxle 10 was formed via an initial C(α)? C(β) bond cleavage leading to the ylide g and subsequent intramolecular addition of the carbonyl group. The analogous 1,3-dioxole 13 was obtained on pyrolysis of the methyl ketones 11 and 12 .     

Photochemical reactions. 148th communication. Photochemistry of acylsilanes: Preparation,photolyses, and thermolyses of α,β-unsaturated silyl ketones

The syntheses, photolyses, and thermolyses of the α,β-unsaturated silyl ketones (E/Z)-7, (E)- 8 , and (E)- 9 are described. On n,π*-excitation (λ > 347 mm), the aforementioned compounds undergo (E/Z)-isomerization followed by γ-H abstraction. The intermediate enols are trapped intermolecularly by siloxycarbenes leading to the dimeric acetals 27A + B, 30A + B , and 31A + B . In addition, the acylsilanes (E/Z)- 7 undergo photoisomerization by δ-H abstraction furnishing the acylsilanes 29A + B . Flash vacuum thermolyses (FVT) of (E/Z)- 7 , (E/Z)- 8 , and (E)- 9 give rise to intramolecular reactions of the siloxycarbene intermediates. Thus, FVT (520°) of (E)- and (Z)- 7 selectively leads to the enol silyl ethers 32 and (E)- 33 , respectively, arising from carbene insertion into an allylic C–-H bond. FVT of (E/Z)- 8 (560°) and (E)- 9 (600°) affords the trienol silyl ethers 34A + B and the cyclic silyl ethers 37A + B , respectively, which are formed by CH insertion of the siloxycarbenes. As further products of (E)- 8 and (E)- 9 , the bicyclic enol ethers 35 and 36 are formed, presumably via siloxycarbene addition to the cyclohexene C?C bond.     

(+)‐Camphor­acetic acid: catemeric hydrogen bonding in a γ‐keto acid

The title compound, (1R)‐4,7,7‐tri­methyl‐3‐oxobi­cyclo­[2.2.1]­heptane‐2‐endo‐acetic acid, C₁₂H₁₈O₃, like its lower homolog, forms carboxyl‐to‐ketone hydrogen‐bonding catemers (Z′ = 2) [O⋯O = 2.729 (5) and 2.707 (5) Å, and O—H⋯O = 165 and 170°] with screw‐related components. The two mol­ecules of the asymmetric unit differ slightly in conformation and produce two counter‐aligned hydrogen‐bonding chains, both aligned with the b axis. Close intermolecular C—H⋯O=C contacts exist for the ketone group of one mol­ecule and for both the ketone and carboxyl functions in the other.     

Photochemische Reaktionen 111. Mitteilung [1] Zur Photochemie α, β-ungesättigter γ, δ-Epoxyester I: Singulett- versus Triplettreaktivität

On triplet excitation (E)- 2 isomerizes to (Z)- 2 and reacts by cleavage of the C(γ), O-bond to isomeric δ-ketoester compounds ( 3 and 4 ) and 2,5-dihydrofuran compounds ( 5 and 19 , s. Scheme 1). - On singulet excitation (E)- 2 gives mainly isomers formed by cleavage of the C(γ), C(δ)-bond ( 6–14 , s. Scheme 1). However, the products 3–5 of the triplet induced cleavage of the C(γ), O-bond are obtained in small amounts, too. The conversion of (E)- 2 to an intermediate ketonium-ylide b (s. Scheme 5) is proven by the isolation of its cyclization product 13 and of the acetals 16 and 17 , the products of solvent addition to b . - Excitation (λ = 254 nm) of the enol ether (E/Z)- 6 yields the isomeric α, β-unsaturated ε-ketoesters (E/Z)- 8 and 9 , which undergo photodeconjugation to give the isomeric γ, δ-unsaturated ε-ketoesters (E/Z)- 10 . - On treatment with BF₃O(C₂H₅)₂ (E)- 2 isomerizes by cleavage of the C(δ), O-bond to the γ-ketoester (E)- 20 (s. Scheme 2). Conversion of (Z)- 2 with FeCl₃ gives the isomeric furan compound 21 exclusively.     

Photochemical reactions. 141st communication. Photochemistry of α,β-unsaturated δ,ϵ-epoxyketones of the ionone series

On n,π*- as well as on π,π*-excitation, the 4,5-epoxy-α-ionones (E)- 1 , (E)- 2 , and (E)- 3 undergo (E)/(Z)-isomerization and subsequent γ-H-abstraction leading to the corresponding 4-hydroxy-β-ionones (E/Z)- 9 , (E/Z)- 13 , and (E/Z)- 17 as primary photoproducts. On photolysis of (E)- 3 , as an additional primary photoproduct, the β,γ-unsaturated σ,?-epoxy ketone 18 was obtained. The other isolated compounds, namely the 2H-pyrans 10A + B and 14A + B as well as the retro γ-ionones 11 and 15A + B , represent known types of products, which are derived from the 4-hydroxy-β-ionones (E/Z)- 9 and (E/Z)- 13 , respectively.     

Photochemical reactions. 137th communication. Preparation and photolysis of (E/Z)-7-methyl-β-ionone

The title compounds (E/Z)- 7 were prepared in 66% overall yield by reaction of β-ionone ((E)-( 1 ) with lithium dimethylcuprate, trapping of the intermediate enolate with benzeneselenenyl bromide and oxidation with H₂O₂. Analogously, (E/Z)-7-methyl-α-inone ((E/Z)- 12 ) was obtained in 65% yield from α-ionone ((E)- 11 ). ¹n, π^*- Excitation (λ > 347 nm, pentane) of (E)-7 causes rapid (E/Z)-isomerization and subsequent reaction of (Z)- 7 to 15 (66%). The formation of 15 is explained by twisting of the dienone chromophore due to repulsive interaction of the 7-CH₃-group with the CH₃-groups of the cyclohexene ring. On the other hand, irradiation λ > 347 nm, Et₂O) of (E)- 7 in the presence of acid leads to (Z)- 7 (5%) and to the novel compound 16 (88%).     

Stereoconvergent preparation of chiral vinylsilanes by cuprate substitution of α-acetoxyallylsilanes. Application to the synthesis of (S)-(+)-bishomomanicone

Enantiomerically enriched (E)- and (Z)-configured α-acetoxyallylsilanes have been prepared starting from a chiral acylsilane bearing an asymmetric unit at the silicon portion. Treatment of these compounds with organocuprates afforded the respective vinylogous substitution products in high yields and high stereoselectivities. The transformations proceed essentially by complete anti attack of the nucleophiles to the allylic acetates and predominantly via transition states leading to the (E)-configured vinylsilane products. By the proper choice of the double bond geometry in the starting material, the configuration of the newly formed stereogenic center can be controlled. The method represents a new and flexible entry into chiral vinylsilanes that can be used for subsequent transformations. As an example, the α,β-unsaturated γ-chiral, naturally occurring ketone (S)-(+)-bishomomanicone was synthesized with this method, which represents the first synthetic access to this compound.     

Cob(I)alamin als Katalysator, 5. Mitteilung [1]. Enantioselektive Reduktion α,β-ungesättigter Carbonylderivate

Cob(I)alamin as Catalyst. 5. Communication [1]. Enantioselective Reduction of α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyl Derivatives The cob(I)alamin-catalyzed reduction of an α,β-unsaturated ethyl ester in aqueous acetic acid produced the (S)-configurated saturated derivative 2 with an enantiomeric excess of 21%. The starting material 1 is not reduced at pH = 7.0 in the presence of catalytic amounts of cob(I)alamin (see Scheme 2). It is shown that the attack of cob(I)alamin and not of cob(II)alamin, also present in Zn/CH₃COOH/H₂O, accounts for the enantioselective reduction observed. All the (Z)-configurated starting materials 1 , 3 , 5 , 7 , 9 and 11 have been transformed to the corresponding (S)-configurated saturated derivatives 2 , 4 , 6 , 8 , 10 and 12 , respectively. The highest enantiomeric excess revealed to be present in the saturated product 12 (32,7%, S) derived from the (Z)-configurated methyl ketone 11 (see Scheme 3 and Table 1). The reduction of the (E)-configurated starting materials led mainly to racemic products. A saturated product having the (R)-configuration with a rather weak enantiomeric excess (5.9%) has been obtained starting from the (E)-configurated methyl ketone 23 (see Scheme 5 and Table 2). The allylic alcohols 16 and 24 have been reduced to the saturated racemic derivative 17 .     

The Synthesis of (±)-11-Deoxydaunomycinone via Regioselective Tandem Diels-Alder Reactions

The 2,5-dimethylidene-3,6-bis[(Z)-(2-nitrophenyl)sulfenylmethylidene]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane ( 13 ) can be used to generate polyfunctional and multicyclic molecules with high regio- and stereoselectivity via two successive Diels-Alder additions using two different dienophiles. This principle has been applied to the synthesis of (±)-11-deoxydaunomycinone ( 7 ), the aglycone of an important antitumor drug. The 2,3-didehydroanisole adds to 13 and gives the monoadduct 14 with high regioselectivity. No trace of bis-adduct is observed. The 1,4-epoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-5-methoxy-3-methylidene-2-[(Z)-(2-nitrophenyl)sulfenylmethylidene]anthracene ( 15 ) obtained on treating 14 with K₂CO₃ adds to methyl vinyl ketone to give [(1RS, 2SR, 5RS,12RS)-5,12-epoxy-1,2,3,4,5,12-hexahydro-7-methoxy-1-(2-nitrophenyl)sulfenyl-2-naphthacenyl]methyl ketone ( 16 ) with high regio- and stereoselectivity. The acid-catalyzed 7-oxanorbornadiene→phenol rearrangement of 16 is regioselective and gives (5-acetoxy-3,4-dihydro-7-methoxy-2-naphthacenyl) methyl ketone ( 20 ) which was transformed into (±)-7,11-dideoxydaunomycinone ((±)- 24 ), a known precursor of 7 .     

Reactions of 3-oxo-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran with alkyl 2-cyano-3-alkoxypropenoate and alkyl 2-alkoxycarbonyl-3-alkoxypropenoate. Synthesis of pyran derivatives

3-Oxo-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran reacted with ethyl 2-cyano-3-ethoxypropenoate, methyl 2-cyano-3-methoxy-propenoate affording compounds 3 (2-(2-cyano-2-alkoxycarbonylvinyl)-3-hydroxybenzofuran) obtained as a mixture of Z + E isomers. Methyl 2-methoxycarbonyl-3-methoxypropenoate gave compound 4 . Malonic compounds added on 2-dimethylaminomethylene-3-oxo-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran 6 for giving compound 3 or 2-oxo-3-methoxycarbonyl-2H-pyrano[3,2-b]benzofuran 8 . Compound 8 was also obtained by heating compound 4 in xylene.     

Face Selectivity of the Diels-Alder Reaction of Hexadienone Moieties Grafted onto the Bicyclo[2.2.2]octene Skeleton and Perturbed by a Remote Tricarbonylbutadieneiron Group

Selective oxidations of bis(tricarbonyliron) complexes of methyl (3,7,8-trimethylidenebicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-en-2-ylidene)methyl ketones 15 – 17 afforded selectively the tricarbonyl {(1RS,4SR,7SR,8RS)-C,7,8,C-η-[methyl (3,7,8-trimethylidenebicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-en-(2Z)-2-ylidene)methyl ketone]}iron ( 12 ), the corresponding (2E)-derivative 13 and the tricarbonyl{(1RS,2RS,3SR,4SR)-C,2,3,C-η-[methyl (3,7,8-trimethylidenebicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-en-(2Z)-2-ylidene)methyl ketone]}iron ( 18 ). The stereoselectivity of the Diels-Alder reactions of the uncomplexed (Z)- and (E)-hexadienone 12 and 13 , respectively, was established. The face of the diene syn with respect to the C(5), C(6) etheno bridge was preferred for the cycloadditions of N-phenyltriazolinedione (NPTAD). In contrast, the reactions of dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD) and methyl propynoate showed a slight preference for addtion to the face of the hexadienones anti with respect to the etheno bridges of 12 and 13 . The crystal structure of the adduct 25 resulting from the cycloaddition of NPTAD to 12 is reported.     

Face Selectivity of the Diels-Alder Additions of Sulfur-Substituted Dienes and Tetraenes Grafted onto 7-Oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptanes

Stereoselective synthesis of 2-methylidene-3-[(Z)-(2-nitrophenylsulfenyl)methylidene]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]-heptane ( 16 ), 1,4-epoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-5,8-dimethoxy-2-methylidene-3-[(Z)-(2-nitrophenylsulfenyl)methylidene]anthracene ( 18 ), and 1,4-epoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-5,8-dimethyoxy-2-methylidene-3-[(Z)-(phenylsulfenyl)-methylidene]anthracene ( 19 ) are presented. The Diels-Alder additions of these S-substituted dienes and those of 2,5-dimethylidene-3,6-bis{[(Z)-(2-nitrophenyl)sulfenyl]methylidene}-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane ( 17 ) have been found to be face selective and ‘ortho’ regiospecific. The face selectivity depends on the nature of the dienophile. It is exo-face selective with bulky dienophiles such as ethylene-tetracarbonitrile (TCNE) and 2-nitro-1-butene and endo-face selective with methyl vinyl ketone, methyl acrylate, and 3-butyn-2-one. In the presence of a Lewis acid, the face selectivity of the Diels-Alder reaction can be reversed. The addition of the first equivalent of a dienophile to tetraene 17 is at least 100 times faster than the addition of the second equivalent of the same dienophile to the corresponding mono-adduct. The X-ray structure of the crystalline bis-adduct 43 , a 7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene system annellated to two cyclohexene rings, resulting from the successive additions of methyl acrylate and methyl vinyl ketone to tetraene 17 is presented. Only one of the two endocyclic double bonds of the 7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene deviates from planarity, the substituents bending towards the endo face by 5.7°.     

Photochemie von tricyclischen β, γ-γ′, δ′-ungesättigten Ketonen. 50. Mitteilung über Photoreaktionen

Photochemistry of tricyclic β, γ-γ′, δ′-unsaturated ketones The easily available tricyclic ketone 1 (cf. Scheme 1) with a homotwistane skeleton yielded upon direct irradiation the cyclobutanone derivative 3 by a 1,3-acyl shift. Further irradiation converted 3 into the tricyclic hydrocarbon 4 . However, acetone sensitized irradiation of 1 gave the tetracyclic ketone 5 by an oxa-di-π-methane rearrangement. Again with acetone as a sensitizer the ketone 5 was quantitatively converted to the pentacyclic ketone 6 . The conversion 5 → 6 represents a novel photochemical 1,4-acyl shift. The possible mechanisms are discussed (see Scheme 7). The tricyclic ketone 2 underwent similar types of photoreactions as 1 (Scheme 2). Unlike 5 the tetracyclic ketone 9 did not undergo a photochemical 1,4-acyl shift. The epoxides 10 and 14 derived from the ketones 1 and 2 , respectively, underwent a 1,3-acyl shift upon irradiation followed by decarbonylation, and the oxa-di-π-methane rearrangement (Schemes 3 and 4). The diketone 18 derived from 1 behaved in the same way (Scheme 5). The tetracyclic diketone 21 cyclized very easily to the internal aldol product 22 under the influence of traces of base (Scheme 5). Upon irradiation the γ, δ-unsaturated ketone 24 underwent only the Norrish type I cleavage to yield the aldehyde 25 (Scheme 6).     

Photochemische Reaktionen. 110. Mitteilung [1]. Zur Photochemie γ,δ-Methano-α-enone

Photochemistry of γ,δ-Methano-α-enones Direct excitation (λ = 254 or ≥ 347 nm) converts the γ,δ-methano-α-enone (E)- 10 into the isomeric ether 23 and the isomeric diene-ketone 24 . Furthermore, on ¹π,π*-excitation (λ = 254 nm) (E)- 10 undergoes an 1,3-homosigmatropic rearrangement yielding the enone (E)- 25 . In addition (E → Z)-isomerization of (E)- 10 and conversion of 10 to the isomeric furan 28 is observed. The isomerization (E)- 10 → 23 , 24 and (E)- 25 proceeds by photocleavage of the C(γ), C(δ)-bond, whereas the formation of 28 occurs by photocleavage the C(γ), C(δ)-bond together with that of the C(γ), C(δ′)-bond of 10 . On direct excitation the bicyclic diene-ether 23 yields the methano-enone 10 , the dieneketone 24 and the tricyclic ether 29 . Evidence is given, that the conversion 23 → 10 is a singulet process. On the other hand, the isomerization 23 → 24 and the intramolecular [2 + 2]-photocycloaddition 23 → 29 are shown to be triplet reactions. Irradiation (λ = 254 nm) of the homoconjugated ketone 24 yields the isomeric ketone 27 by an 1,3-acyl shift. The excitation of the (E)-enone 25 induces (E → Z)-isomerization and photoenolization to give the homoconjugated ketone 26 .     

Azimine. V.. Untersuchungen zur stereoisomerie an der N(2), N(3)-bindung von 2, 3-dialkyl-1-phthalimido-aziminen

Azimines. V. Investigation on the Stereoisomerism Around the N (2), N (3) Bond in 2, 3-Dialkyl-1-phthalimido-azimines 2, 3-(cis-1, 3-Cyclopentylene)-1-phthalimido-azimine ( 7 ) and isomerically pure (2 Z)- and (2 E)-2, 3-diisopropyl-1-phthalimido-azimine ( 9a and 9b ) were prepared by the addition of phthalimido-nitrene ( 1 ) to 2, 3-diazabicyclo [2.2.1]hept-2-ene ( 6 ) and to (E)- and (Z)-1, 1′-dimethylazoethane ( 8a and 8b ), respectively. Comparison of their UV. spectra with those of two stereoisomeric azimines of known configuration, namely (1 E, 2 Z)- and (1 Z, 2 E)-2, 3-dimethyl-1-phthalimido-azimine ( 5a and 5b ), reveals that 2, 3-dialkyl-1-phthalimido-azimines with (2 Z)-configuration are characterized by a shoulder at about 258 nm (? ≈? 14,000) and those with (2 E)-configuration by a maximum at 270–278 nm (? ≈? 10,000). The (2 E)-azimine 9b isomerizes under acid catalysis as well as thermally and photochemically into the more stable (2 Z)-isomer 9a . Under the last two conditions the isomerization is accompanied by a slower fragmentation with loss of nitrogen into N, N′-diisopropyl-N, N′-phthaloylhydrazine ( 4 , R = iso-C₃H₇). The same fragmentation was also observed on thermolysis and photolysis of the (2 Z)-isomer 9a . The kinetic parameters for the thermal isomerization of 9b (they fit first-order plots) and for the fragmentation of 9a and 9b were determined by ¹H-NMR. spectroscopy in benzene, trichloromethane and acetonitrile. In the photolysis of 9a or 9b the fragmentation is accompanied by dissociation into the azo compounds 8a or 8b and the nitrene 1 , the latter being subject to trapping by cyclohexene. With the azimine 7 , an analogous thermal fragmentation was observed to give N, N′-(cis-1, 3-cyclo-pentylene)-N, N′-phthaloylhydrazine ( 15 ), but more energetic conditions were required than with 9 . Photolysis of 7 led exclusively to dissociation into the azo compound 6 and the nitrene 1 , perhaps because the fragmentation of 7 is prevented by ring strain.     

Synthesis of the (Z) and (E) isomers of 1,2-diaryl-3-methyl-4,5-dioxo-3-pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid esters. Structural assignment by nmr and mass spectroscopy

Reaction of N-benzylideneaniline, 1a , with 3-methyl-2-oxobutanedioic acid diethyl ester, 2a , produced isomeric 3-methyl-4,5-dioxo-1,2-diphenyl-3-pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid ethyl esters, 3a and 3b . The higher melting isomer, 3a , was shown to have the (Z) configuration by nmr spectroscopy. The (Z) and (E) isomers of 3-methyl-4,5-dioxo-1,2-diphenyl-3-pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid methyl esters, 3c and 3d , were prepared from 1a and 3-methyl-2-oxobutanedioic acid dimethyl ester, 2b . The higher melting isomer, 3c , was shown to have the (Z) configuration. Similarly, N-benzylidene-p-toluidine, 1b , reacted with 2a to form (Z) and (E) isomers of 3-methyl-4,5-dioxo-1-(4-methylphenyl)-2-phenyl-3-pyrrolidinecarboxlic acid ethyl esters, 3e and 3f . Assignment of the ¹³C carbonyl carbon nmr chemical shift was made by preparing 2-methyl-3-oxobutanedioic-1-¹³C acid diethyl ester, 4 , and from it the corresponding (Z) and (E) isomers of 3-methyl-4,5-dioxo-1,2-diphenyl-3-pyrrolidinecarboxylic ¹³C acid ester, 5a and 5b . The mass spectra of the (Z) isomers exhibit prominent ions corresponding to the masses of the Schiff bases used to make them, and ions corresponding to the loss of ArNCOCO from the parent ion. The (E) isomers 3b, 3d and 5b exhibit a prominent ion of mass 264; 3f gives mass 278, corresponding to the loss of the carboalkoxy group.     

Stereoselective Synthesis of 4,5‐Diethylidene‐Oxazolidinones as New Dienes in Diels‐Alder Reactions

The N‐substituted isomeric (4Z,5Z)‐ and (4E,5Z)‐4,5‐diethylideneoxazolidin‐2‐ones 5 and 6 were synthesized, the latter being favored during the one‐step process from the α‐diketone 1c and different isocyanates. The steric interaction between the N‐substituent and the Me group attached to the exocyclic diene moiety plays a decisive role in controlling the observed stereoselectivity, as suggested by the calculated free energies of the two isomers. Both dienes undergo efficient additions to symmetric dienophiles in thermal Diels‐Alder reactions to yield the adducts 11 and 13 , respectively. These molecules displayed interesting C−H⋅⋅⋅π, and C−H⋅⋅⋅X (X=O, Cl) interactions according to their X‐ray crystal structures. Isomers 6 suffered highly stereo‐ and regioselective additions with nonsymmetrical dienophiles such as methyl vinyl ketone or methyl propiolate. Steric interactions, promoted by the inward‐pointing Me group in 6 , seem to explain such selectivity. These results have also been rationalized by ab initio calculations in terms of the FMO theory.     

Photochemische Reaktionen. 118. Mitteilung [1] Zur vinylogen β-Spaltung von Enonen. UV.-Bestrahlung von 4-(3',7',7'-Trimethyl-2'-oxabicyclo [3.2.0]hept-3'-en-1'-yl)but-3-en-2-on

Vinylogous β-Cleavage of Enones: UV.-irradiation of 4-(3′,7′,7′-trimethyl-2′-oxabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-3′-ene-1′-yl)but-3-ene-2-on On ¹π,π*-excitation (λ = 254 nm) in acetonitrile (E/Z)- 2 is converted into the isomers 4–9 and undergoes fragmentation yielding 10 ; in methanol (E/Z)- 2 gives 7–10 and is transformed into 11 by incorporation of the solvent. On ¹π,π*-excitation (λ λ?347 nm; benzene-d₆) (E)- 2 is isomerized into (Z)- 2 , which is converted into the isomers 3 and 4 by further irradiation. ¹π,π*-Excitation (λ = 254 nm; acetonitrile) of 4 gives 6 and (E)- 9 , whereas UV.-irradiation (λ = 254 nm; acetonitrile-d₃) of 5 yields (E)- 7 and 8 . On ¹π,π*-excitation (λ = 254 nm; acetonitrile) of (E/Z)- 12 the compounds (E)- 14 and (E)- 15 are obtained.     

Synthetic Studies Directed toward the Pseurotins. Part I. Synthesis of Related Furan-3(2H)-ones

According to a general concept for the total synthesis of pseurotin A ( 1 ), a secondary metabolite of Pseudeurotium ovalis STOLK , 5-[(1S,2S,Z)-1,2-dihydroxyhex-3-enyl]-2,2,4-trimethylfuran-3(2H)-one ( 17 ) was prepared. It is a model substance for the substituted furan-3(2H)-one moiety of 1 . The aldol condensation of the aldehyde 26 , derived from D-glucose, and the enolate of ketone 29 served as key reaction.