Photolysis of bis(methoxyphenyl) methylphosphonates. Their emission spectra and formation of dimethoxybiphenyl and dimethoxy-9,10-dioxaanthracene

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4039(91)80438-C

Upon UV-irradiation in methanol, bis(methoxyphenyl) methylphosphonates underwent an intramolecular coupling of two methoxyphenyl groups to give dimethoxybiphenyls and dimethoxy-9,10-dioxaanthracenes. The reactivities and fluorescence spectra of the phosphonates were sensitive to the position of the methoxy group. These photo-induced couplings proceed probably through the formation of the two types of singlet intramolecular excimers.