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Photophysics and photochemistry of arylmethyl radicals in liquids

Journal Article · · J. Am. Chem. Soc.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ja00287a016· OSTI ID:5863261

A series of arylmethyl radicals (including Ph/sub 2/CH (diphenylmethyl), 10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo(a,d)cyclohepten-5-yl (=DBHP.), Ph/sub 2/CCH/sub 3/, Ph/sub 2/C-c-Pr, and Ph/sub 3/C.) have been produced pulse radiolytically in a variety of solvents and then excited with lambda = 347 nm ruby laser pulses. Ph/sub 2/CCH/sub 3/, Ph/sub 2/C-c-Pr, and Ph/sub 3/C undergo a solvent independent monophotonic photochemical reaction with high quantum yield. This reaction is proposed to occur from the first excited doublet state and to yield a fluorenyl-type radical. Ph/sub 2/CH and DBHP strongly fluoresce upon relaxation to their ground doublet state. Fluorescence spectra as well as excited doublet-doublet absorption spectra of these radicals have been recorded and their lifetimes and fluorescence quantum yields determined. No photochemistry is observed from the lowest excited state of both of these radicals. The difference in photoreactivity of the two groups of radicals (Ph/sub 2/CH and DBHP vs. Ph/sub 2/CCH/sub 3/, PH/sub 2/C-c-Pr, and Ph/sub 3/C) is rationalized as resulting from the degree of twist of the phenyl groups out of the central molecular plane. A solvent-dependent consecutive biphotonic photochemistry from excited states higher than the lowest excited doublet state is, however, observed for the Ph/sub 2/CH and DBHP radicals. A mechanism to rationalize this photochemistry is proposed. 26 references, 12 figures, 1 table.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab., IL
DOE Contract Number:
W-31109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
5863261
Journal Information:
J. Am. Chem. Soc.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Am. Chem. Soc.; (United States) Vol. 107:1; ISSN JACSA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English