Photolysis of some aromatic monoazides adsorbed on the silica gel surf
ace was studied with the use of thin-layer chromatography, IR spectros
copy, and microanalytical drop reactions. It was shown that photopolym
erization via triplet nitrene addition to the C=C double bond and via
trans-cis isomerization of the original monoazide occurs, along with d
egradation of the azide group and hydrogen abstraction by the triplet
nitrene resulting in primary amines. Photooxidation of monoazides yiel
ds carbonyl groups and nitroxyl radicals.