Regioselective photocycloaddition of pyridine derivatives to electron-rich alkenes

Irradiation of a benzene solution of 3-cyano-2,6-dimethoxypyridine in the presence of ethyl vinyl ether (EVE) gave 1:1 photoadducts, 3-cyano-5-ethoxy-2,8-dimethoxy-4,5-dihydroazocine, in good yields, whose structure was established by X-ray single-crystal analysis. The photoadduct was produced via cycloaddition between the C3-C4 position of the pyridine derivatives and an alkene chromophore. On the other hand, 3-cyano-2,6-dimethoxy-4-methylpyridine cycloadds to EVE at the C2-C3 position of the pyridine ring upon irradiation. The difference is explained on the basis of the steric effect.