Mechanistic studies of the pyrene-sensitized photodecomposition of N-phenylglycine: Acceleration of the photodecomposition by the addition of an electron acceptor

Article abstract of DOI:10.1246/bcsj.73.2783

The processes of the pyrene-sensitized photodecomposition of N-phenylglycine (NPG) have been investigated by fluorescence quenching experiments, laser flash photolysis studies, and characterization of the reaction products. A mechanism involving electron transfer from NPG to singlet excited pyrene through emissive exciplex formation, as well as the intervention of PhNHCH² · as a reactive intermediate, has been established. The efficiency of NPG photodecomposition is enhanced by the addition of an electron acceptor, such as terephthalonitrile or diethyl isophthalate. The laser flash photolysis studies have revealed that the mechanism for the rate enhancement of NPG photodecomposition depends on the acceptor employed as an additive.