Abstract: Several ring-substituted a-(0-toly1) acetophenones undergo photocyclization to 2- indanol derivatives in high quantum efficiency in solution and in high chemical yield as solids. The mechanism for reaction involves triplet state &hydrogen atom abstraction that generates 1, 5-biradicals. Quenching studies indicate that the n, a* excited triplets of these ketones react, with rate constants> IO8 sl. Variations in triplet reactivity are ascribed to ...
