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.