Photochemical formation of [4.4.4](1,3,5)cyclophanes from 1,3,5-tris(3-phenylpropenoyl)benzenes

Irradiation of 1,3,5-tris(3-phenylpropenoyl)benzene (1a) yields in solution a dimer 2a by a threefold head-to-head/anti [2π+2π]cycloaddition. The stereochemistry of this [4.4.4](1,3,5)cyclophane was determined by 1H and 13C NMR studies including NOE measurements and a calculation of the AA′MM′ spin pattern of the methine protons. In contrast to the solution photochemistry, which is presumably controlled by the arrangement of an excimer, the irradiation in the crystalline state leads by a topochemical control to a dimer 3a, which contains a single four-membered ring.