Stereospecific [2+2] cycloadducts are obtained as major products when transcinnamonitrile derivatives are irradiated with excess tetramethylethylene. The fluorescence quenching studies, weak exciplex fluorescence, and sensitization by benzophenone suggest that this stereospecific photochemical cycloaddition reaction involves singlet exciplex intermediate formed between cinnamonitrile derivatives and tetramethylethylene.