Asymmetric synthesis of tricyclic tetralin derivatives via an intramolecular photoreaction

An intramolecular photoreaction for the synthesis of tricyclic tetralin derivatives through a Norrish/Yang type cyclization is described. Asymmetric studies on this reaction using ionic chiral auxiliaries gave enantiomeric excesses of up to 99% at conversions of 80%, and the reaction mechanism was mapped out by a single crystal-to-single crystal reaction.