A Multichromophoric Bicyclo[2.2.2]octenone and a Photorearranged Ester Derivative

Both the title compound, 5,6-dibenzoyl4-methoxy-bicylo[2.2.2]oct-5-en-2-one, C₂₃H₂₀O₄, and its photolysis product obtained in the solution phase, 4-methoxy-6-exo-methoxycarbonyl-5-(1-phenoxy-1-phenylmethylene)bicyclo[2.2.2]octan-2-one (IUPAC name: methyl 4-methoxy-2-oxo-5-(1-phenoxy-1-phenylmethylene)bicyclo[2.2.2]octanyl-6-exo-carboxylate), C₂₄H₂₄O₅, both crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c. The structures were solved by direct methods. The conformations established for the two compounds facilitate understanding of the mechanism of the photoreaction in solution.

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