Conformational analysis in the reversible intramolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition of diphenylbicyclo[4.2.0]oct-3-ene-2,5-diones

An irradiation of diphenylbicyclo[4.2.0]oct-3-ene-2,5-diones bearing variously substituted Me groups resulted in the reversible intramolecular [2+2] cycloaddition between the excited enedione CC double bond and the facing endo-phenyl ring to exclusively give pentacyclotetradeca-10,12-diene-2,7-diones. The equilibrated product ratios were much dependent on the substitution pattern of the Me-groups as well as the irradiated wavelength. The regiochemistry of these photoadditions was elucidated on the basis of the restricted conformation of the starting enediones.