Photochemical reactions of N-benzoylformyl α,β-unsaturated amides

Abstract

N-Benzoylformyl α,β-unsaturated amides (1) underwent photochemical intramolecular [2 + 2]cyclo-addition to produce bicyclic imides, 1-phenyl-6-oxa-3-azabicyclo[3.1.1]pentane-2,4-diones (2), in good yield. Quantum yields for reaction of N-benzyl, N-(p-tolyl), and N-(2,6-xylyl)-N-benzoylformylmethacrylamide were 0.56, 0.04, and 0.10, respectively.