Intermediacy of bicyclo[2.2.1]hepteneone in the photolysis of bicyclo[2.2.2]octenediones

UV Irradiation of cyclohexane solution of bicyclo2.2.2]octenediones led to facile extrusion of carbon monoxide to give substituted dihydrobiphenyls along with the dehydrogenated products. The inseparable mixtures on DDQ oxidation afforded the biphenyl derivatives. Isolation of an intermediate arising from the initial monodecarbonylation lends support to a proposed mechanistic rationalization.