Synthesis of a novel silicon-bridged [2.2]metacyclophan-9-ene and its photolytic transannular reaction

A novel [2.2]metacyclophane in which two benzene rings are linked together with a carbon–carbon double bond and a disilane unit was prepared. Photolysis of the cyclophane in the presence of oxygen afforded the 4,5-dihydro-4,5-disilapyrene derivative via a transannular dehydrogenation reaction.