α-Cleavage of 2,2-Diazido-2,3-dihydroinden-1-one in Solution and Cryogenic Matrices.

The Norrish type I (α-cleavage) reaction is an excellent photochemical method for radical-pair formation in solution. However, in cryogenic matrices, the starting material typically re-forms before the radical pair diffuses apart. This study focused on N2 extrusion from an azido alkyl radical to prevent radical-pair recombination. Irradiation of 2,2-diazido-2,3-dihydroinden-1-one (1) in methanol mainly yielded methyl 2-cyanomethylbenzoate (2) and 2-cyanomethylbenzoic acid (3) via α-cleavage. Laser flash photolysis of 1 in argon-saturated acetonitrile resulted in α-cleavage to form triplet biradical 31Br1 (λmax ∼ 410 nm, τ ∼ 400 ns). In contrast, upon irradiation in glassy 2-methyltetrahydrofuran matrices, triplet alkylnitrene 31N was directly detected using electron spin resonance (D/hc = 1.5646 cm-1, E/hc = 0.00161 cm-1) and absorption spectroscopy (λmax = 276 and 341 nm). Irradiation of 1 in argon matrices generated 31N, benzoyl azide 4, singlet benzoylnitrene 14N, and isocyanide 5, as revealed by IR spectroscopy. The experimental results supported by density functional theory calculations [B3PW91/6-311++G(d,p)] suggest that irradiation of 1 in matrices results in α-cleavage to form biradical 31Br1, which extrudes N2 to yield 31Br2. Rearrangement of 31Br2 into 31N competes with cleavage of a N3 radical to form radical 1Ra3. The N3/1Ra3 radical pair combines to form 4, which upon irradiation yields 14N and 5.

Matrix Isolation Studies of Novel Intermediates in the Reaction of Trimethylaluminum with Ozone.

The thermal reaction of ozone with trimethyl aluminum was explored using twin jet, concentric jet, and merged jet deposition into cryogenic matrixes. Infrared spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations were employed to identify and characterize the products formed in each case. Together, these deposition techniques provide information over the essentially full course of the gas-phase reaction. At short times with twin jet deposition, the primary product is the O atom insertion product (CH3)2AlOCH3. With merged jet deposition and longer gas-phase mixing times, the methyl peroxy radical H3COO· was seen in good yield along with final stable products H2CO, H3COH, and C2H6. Production of Al2O3 and its deposition onto the walls of the reaction tube as a powdery film was noted as well. All of these outcomes were combined to propose a reaction mechanism for this system. Of particular note, the observation of H3COO· provides clear evidence for a free radical component to the overall mechanism.

Infrared matrix isolation study of the thermal and photochemical reactions of ozone with trimethylgallium.

The thermal and photochemical reactions of (CH3)3Ga and O3 have been explored using a combination of matrix isolation, infrared spectroscopy, and theoretical calculations. Experimental data using twin jet deposition and theoretical calculations demonstrate the formation of multiple product species after deposition, annealing to 35 K, and UV irradiation of the matrices. The products were identified as (CH3)2GaOCH3, (CH3)2GaCH2OH, (CH3)(CH3O)Ga(OCH3), (CH3)2GaCHO, and (CH3)Ga(OCH3)(CH2OH). Product identifications were confirmed by annealing and irradiation behavior, (18)O substitution experiments, and high level theoretical calculations. Merged jet deposition led to a number of stable late reaction products, including C2H6, CH3OH, and H2CO. A white solid film was also noted on the walls of the merged (flow reactor) region of the deposition system, likely due to the formation of Ga2O3.

Transforming Triplet Vinylnitrene into Triplet Alkylnitrene at Cryogenic Temperatures.

Photolysis of 2,3-diazidonaphthalene-1,4-dione (1) in methyltetrahydrofuran matrices forms 2-(λ1-azaneyl)-3-azidonaphthalene-1,4-dione (vinylnitrene 32), as confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The zero-field splitting (zfs) parameters for 32 (D/hc = 0.5338 cm-1, and E/hc = 0.0038 cm-1) reveal significant 1,3-biradical character. Irradiating 32 yields 2-(λ1-azaneyl)-1,3-dioxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indene-2-carbonitrile (alkylnitrene 33), which has zfs parameters typical of a cycloalkylnitrene (D/hc = 1.57 cm-1, and E/hc = 0.00071 cm-1). Photolysis of 1 in argon matrices verifies that 32 forms 33.