ChemInform Abstract: Preparation of Substituted Dihydrofluorenones by Photoisomerization of Benzotropolone Derivatives.

Abstract The photoisomerization of the Diels–Alder adduct formed between tetramethylpurpurogallin and maleic anhydride is described. The process is highly stereoselective, involves the β,γ-unsaturated ketone chromophore present in the adduct, proceeds through the formation of allyl and aroyl radical intermediates, and leads to a novel substituted dihydrofluorenone in good yields.