A synthesis of the right-hand substructure 7 of solanoeclepin A (1), the mo
st active natural hatching agent of potatocyst nematodes, was approached by
an intramolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition. The construction of the strain
ed bicyclo[2.1.1]hexane skeleton was achieved in five steps from dioxenone
9. A Simmons-Smith cyclopropanation enabled the installation of the require
d cyclopropane. Finally, a TPAP oxidation allowed the smooth formation of t
he strained cyclobutanone moiety.