Intramolecular photocycloaddition reactions of 2- and 4-(5-arylpent-4-enyl)-1-cyanonaphthalenes.

Graphical abstract Highlights • [2 + 2], [3 + 2], and [4 + 2] Photocycloadditions selectively proceeded. • Intramolecular π-π interaction in exciplexes governed the reaction modes. • Di-π-methane rearrangement of [4 + 2] photocycloadducts gave angular triquinanes. Abstract Photoreactions of 1-cyanonaphthalene derivatives containing 5-arylpent-4-enyl groups at C-2 or C-4 of the naphthalene ring were investigated. Photoreactions of C-2 derivatives in benzene or CH 3 CN generated intramolecular [2 + 2] and [3 + 2] photocycloadducts. Substances bearing electron-rich and electron-poor phenyl groups produced respective [2 + 2] and [3 + 2] photocycloadducts preferentially. In contrast, photoreactions of C-4 linked 1-cyanonaphthalenes produced intramolecular [4 + 2] photocycloadducts as main products along with stereoisomers of tricyclic compounds as minor products. The formation of [4 + 2] photocycloadducts was promoted by using benzophenone or Michler's ketone triplet photosensitization, and quenched by O 2 or ferrocene. Intramolecular singlet exciplexes, which serve as important intermediates in the mechanistic pathways for these reactions, governed the site-selectivities in photoreactions of both of the 2- and 4-(5-arylpent-4-enyl)-1-cyanonaphthalenes. In addition, [4 + 2] photocycloadducts were observed to undergo di-π-methane rearrangement under irradiation conditions to produce angular triquinane derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]