Photoinduced molecular transformations. Part 138. A new route to dibenzo[a,d]cycloalkanes and their naphtho analogues via the ring expansion of benzocyclobutenols involving a selective β-scission of cyclobutenoxyl radicals generated by photolysis of their hypoiodites

Abstract

A new synthesis of several funtionalized dibenzo[a,d]cyclooctanes, dibenzo[a,d]cyclononanes, and their naphtho analogues is described. This synthesis involves the ring expansion of benzocyclobutenols by a selective β-scission of the cyclobutenoxyl radicals generated by photolysis of their hypoiodites.