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Photoreaction of trans-1-(4-cyanophenyl)-3-phenyl-2,3-epoxy-1-propanone (trans-4'-cyanochalcone epoxide) with various electron donors was studied. Irradiation of this epoxy ketone with amines produced 1-(4-cyanophenyl)-3-phenyl-1,3-propanedione and 1-(4-cyanophenyl)-3-hydroxy-3-phenyl-1-propanone in various ratios depending on the kinds of amine and solvent used. A reaction mechanism involving an amine cation radical-assisted rearrangement of the epoxy ketone anion radical was proposed to be most consistent with the marked change in the yield of beta-diketone. On the other hand, the timing of proton transfer to the anionic intermediates is considered to be a key factor to yield the beta-hydroxy ketone. Information obtained from the photochemical study was useful to find the reaction conditions for the conversion of several aromatic epoxy ketones to hydroxy ketones by the use of samarium diiodide. Addition of methanol significantly changed the product distribution. Proper choice of water or methanol as a proton source produced hydroxy ketones in moderate to good yields.

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