Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 27, 2025
![Cercosporin-Photocatalyzed [4+1]- and [4+2]-Annulations of Azoalkenes Under Mild Conditions](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F60786.jpg&w=3840&q=50)
Cercosporin-Photocatalyzed [4+1]- and [4+2]-Annulations of Azoalkenes Under Mild Conditions
Published on: July 17, 2020
Stereoconvergent Synthesis of Z-1,3-Disubstituted-1,3-Dienes by Uphill Photocatalysis
Steven T Diver1, Elise Glickert1, Laurence N Rohde1
1Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, 572 Natural Sciences Complex, Amherst, NY, 14260-3000, USA.
Abstract:
A variety of 1-aryl-1,3-dienes were isomerized from E to Z isomers by photocatalysis using Ru(bpy)3 [PF6 ]2 and blue LED light. Enrichment of the Z-isomer is thought to occur by selective triplet energy transfer from the photocatalyst to the stereoisomeric mixture. The 1,3-diene starting materials are easily made by catalytic ene-yne metathesis (EYM). To access 1,3-diene Z-stereoisomers directly, a one pot procedure was developed. Additional 1,3-dienes were investigated for both isomerization and Z-enrichment. The combination of cross EYM with photocatalysis allows for the stereoconvergent synthesis of Z-1,3-dienes.
Related Concept Videos
Diels–Alder Reaction Forming Cyclic Products: Stereochemistry
[4+2] Cycloaddition of Conjugated Dienes: Diels–Alder Reaction
Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Stereochemistry
Selection Rules: Photochemical Activation
Thermal Electrocyclic Reactions: Stereochemistry
Selection Rules: Thermal Activation
Conjugated systems containing an even number of π-electron pairs undergo a conrotatory ring closure. For example, thermal electrocyclization of (2E,4E)-2,4-hexadiene, a conjugated diene containing two π-electron pairs, gives trans-3,4-dimethylcyclobutene.
Diels–Alder Reaction Forming Bridged Bicyclic Products: Stereochemistry
Oxidation of Alkenes: Syn Dihydroxylation with Osmium Tetraoxide

