Z → E Photoisomerization of Homoactivated Carbon Carbon Double Bonds

Abstract

Z-configured 1,4-diene or β, γ-unsaturated carbonyl systems are readily available by the Wittig reaction. Isomerization required for access into the E-series can easily be accomplished by irradiation using an ordinary tungsten lamp and diphenyl disulphide sensitizer. There is very little formatation of conjugated isomers (less than 1%).