Photodimerization of trans-2-styrylpyridine in zeolite cages

The photochemical behaviour of trans-2-styrylpyridine in various cation-exc hanged faujasite zeolites has been investigated. At a lower loading level, trans-cis isomerization is the only process. When the loading level is incr eased, in addition to isomerization, significant amounts of dimerization an d cyclization products are also observed with the products distribution dep ending on the free volume available inside the cage. Acidic zeolites such a s HY and MgY are found to catalyse the thermal reaction of 2-styrylpyridine . (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.