[4+4]环加成反应常和[2+2]环加成反应竞争,因此[4+4]环加成的实际应用很少。但若当该反应有一定产率时,此法可用于一步构建具有复杂立体中心的八元环结构,如2000年Yong-gyun Lee、Kevin F. McGee等拟议的对紫杉醇的合成[7]与对岩藻球菌素(英语:Fusicoccin)家族分子的合成[8]。另外,尽管该反应首先形成了稠环,但随后可裂解形成大环。[9]
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^ 7.07.1Lee, Y.-G.; McGee, K. F.; Chen, J.; Rucando, D.; Sieburth, S. McN. A [4+4] 2-Pyridone Approach to Taxol. 3. Stereocontrol during Elaboration of the Cyclooctane. J. Org. Chem. 2000, 65: 6676–6681. doi:10.1021/jo005532c.
^ 8.08.1McGee, K. F.; Al-Tel, T. H.; Sieburth, S. McN. Fusicoccin Synthesis by Intramolecular [4+4] Photocycloaddition of 2-Pyridones: Stereocontrol of the Cycloaddition and Elaboration of the Pentacyclic Product. Synthesis. 2001, 112: 1185–1196. doi:10.1055/s-2001-15066.
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