Photochemical studies on exo-bicyclo[2.1.1]hexyl and bicyclo[3.1.0]hexyl aryl ketones: two approaches for synthesis of enantiomerically enriched cyclopentene derivatives

Two approaches for the photochemical synthesis of cyclopentene derivatives through the Norrish type II cleavage reaction were described. Asymmetric studies using ionic chiral auxiliaries afforded enantiomeric excesses of up to 98% at the conversion of 85%. The results were rationalized by single X-ray crystal structures.