[2+2] Photocycloadditions of cis/trans-4-propenylanisole to C60. A step-wise mechanism.

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(97)00891-5

The photocycloaddition of cis- and trans-1-(p-methoxyphenyl)-1-propene to C₆₀ gives only the trans [2+2] adducts. Irradiation of the isolated adduct gives a mixture of cis- and trans-1-(p-methoxyphenyl)-1-propene and C₆₀ cycloreversion products. These results exclude a concerted addition and are consonant with a two step mechanism.