2-Pyridones are known to undergo a facile [4+4] photocycloaddition with themselves and other conjugated molecules. These transformations provide an access to complex molecular structures such as highly substituted cyclooctanoid derivatives, which normally represent a significant synthetic challenge. Moreover, the 2-pyridone photoadducts can be further elaborated into various biologically relevant products. The work presented here broadens the horizons of the [4+4] photocycloaddition in two distinct directions: 1) by utilizing [4+4] photocycloaddition in a total synthesis of crinipellin natural products possessing antibiotic and antitumor activity and 2) by developing a novel type of [4+4] photocycloaddition that employs a conjugated enyne as a partner of 2- pyridone. Our approach to the tetraquinane core of the crinipellins features intramolecular [4+4] photocycloaddition of a tethered furan-pyridone molecule followed by a four-step transannular ring closure. The sequence allows for a rapid assembly of a molecular framework by installing 19 of the 20 required carbon atoms and all but two stereogenic centers. The described synthesis represents an interesting new approach to these polycyclic molecules and a way to access crinipellin analogues. The enyne-pyridone [4+4] photocycloaddition led to formation of intriguing 1,2,5-cyclooctatriene-based products. Presence of the allene functionality was used as a lever in exploring the possibilities for derivatization of these photoadducts. Our investigations of enyne-pyridone photocycloaddition have come a long way: from the first proof-of-concept intermolecular trials producing complex mixtures, through the initial investigations of the intramolecular variant that taught us how to direct the reaction to the necessary mode ([2+2] vs. [4+4] photocycloaddition), and eventually to the controlled formation of stable allenic photoadducts and their further transformation into a diverse set of functionalized molecular scaffolds. We found that the inherent kinetic instability of 1,2,5-cyclooctatrienes facilitates several pathways of strain relief: allene-allene [2+2] dimerization, photooxidative decarbonylation when the irradiation is conducted in presence of air, isomerization of the 1,2-diene fragment into a 1,3-diene and the acid-promoted Cope rearrangement. Additionally, enyne-pyridone photoadducts can undergo transannular ring closure when treated with bromine and also be transformed into valuable bicyclo [5.1.0] octane structures that incorporate a rare example of a stable cyclopropanone by a fast and selective epoxidation-rearrangement process. Several important goals were achieved in the described research study. First, strategic incorporation of [4+4] photocycloaddition as one of the key steps in targeted synthesis of natural products has demonstrated the potential of this powerful reaction. Second, an efficient new approach to a tetraquinane skeleton was developed and successfully executed. Third, the fundamental basis for the novel photochemical transformation (enyne-pyridone cycloaddition) was set and major trends for this reaction were established resulting in obtaining stable allenic photoadducts. Finally, chemical properties and reactivity of stabilized amide-bridged 1,2,5-cyclooctatriene photoproducts were investigated breaking the ground for future involvement of these intermediates in synthetic strategies towards biologically active natural products and their analogues. / Chemistry