The asymmetric photodeconjugation of the alpha,beta-unsaturated esters 1, 2 and 3, to the corresponding beta,gamma-unsaturated esters having a new chiral center at the alpha position, has been studied in a variety of solvents. In most solvents, the (S)-lactyl chiral auxiliary induced the S configuration at the new chiral center. However, irradiation of 1 in methanol or 2-propanol/water mixtures gave an unusual reversal of diastereoselectivity of produce the R configuration at the new chiral center.