Stereoselective intermolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition reactions of tetrahydrophthalic anhydride and derivatives with alkenols and alkynols

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(99)00250-1

Intermolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition of a variety of alken- and alkyn-3-ols with 3,4,5,6-tetrahydrophthalic anhydride (THPA) and the related imide (THPI) gave the corresponding cyclobutanes and cyclobutenes in high yield. Irradiation times were relatively short and stereoselectivities as high as 10/1 for the cyclobutane examples.