Photochemical decomposition of (1-diazo-2-oxoalkyl) silanes 6a-1 results in Wolff rearrangement yielding silyl ketenes 8a-1. From (1-diazo-3, 3-dimethyl-2-oxobutyl) silanes 6c-f, 2-silyl-cyclobutanones 9c-f are formed as by-products, arising from intramolecular C/H insertion of the acyl carbene intermediate. Irradiation of diazo-triisopropylsilyl-acetamide 6m yields only β-lactam 16 and γ-lactam 17. Wolff rearrangement also takes place on copper ...
