Photochemical process leading to the formation of cyclobutanols by
cycloaddition of an alkene to a 1,3-dicarbonyl-enol. The enol originates in most cases from the
tautomerization of a 1,3-dicarbonyl compound. The products of the de Mayo reaction are susceptible
to undergo a
retro-aldol ring opening resulting in the formation of 1,5-dicarbonyl compounds.
Source:
PAC, 2007, 79, 293
(Glossary of terms used in photochemistry, 3rd edition (IUPAC Recommendations 2006))
on page 322
