Evidence for Triplet Sensitization in the Visible‐Light‐Induced [2+2] Photocycloaddition of Eniminium Ions

Εniminium ions were prepared from the corresponding α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds (enones and enals), and were found to be promoted to their respective triplet states by energy transfer. The photoexcited intermediates underwent intra‐ or intermolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition in good yields (50–78 %) upon irradiation at λ=433 nm or λ=457 nm. Iridium or ruthenium complexes with a sufficiently high triplet energy were identified as efficient catalysts (2.5 mol % catalyst loading) for the reaction. The intermolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition of an eniminium ion derived from a chiral secondary amine proceeded with high enantioselectivity (88 % ee).