Photochemistry of ethenobenzocycloheptenones. A Di-π-methane rearrangement of β,γ-unsaturated aryl ketones

Benzotropones 6 react with dienophiles 7 to give endo-adducts 8 as shown by PMR. Unlike similar ketones which usually undergo 1,3-acyl shifts or oxadi-π-methane rearrangements, these ethenobenzocycloheptenones 8, on direct or sensitized irradiation, lead to the di-π-methane rearrangement products 1H-benzo[f]cycloprop[cd]-indenones 9. The structures of the latter were elucidated by the use of Eu(FOD)₃ and X-ray diffraction. Prolonged irradiation of tetrahydrofluorenone 19 a potential 1,3-acyl shift product of ethenobenzocycloheptenones, gave only dienyl aldehyde 21 in low conversion. These results suggest that the chemical pathway chosen in these reactions is dependent on geometrical and electronic factors.