PHOTOLYSIS OF SOLID 4,4'-DIAZIDODIBENZYLIDENEACETONE

Photolysis of 4,4'-diazidodibenzylideneacetone (DAA), in both its crys talline state and adsorbed state on silica gel, was studied by thin-la yer chromatography and UV and IR spectroscopy. It was found that three groups of stereoisomers were formed in the synthesis of 4,4'-diazidod ibenzylideneacetone with the yield ratio 0.92:0.05:0.03 by weight. Irr adiation of the stereoisomers leads to, along with the degradation of azido groups into nitrenes, stereoisomerization with unaffected azido groups. Analysis of the photodecomposition products indicates that the DAA stereoisomers in the solid state are characterized by reactions o f triplet nitrenes.