Highly efficient C - C bond formation in the two-photon chemistry of 1,8-bis(substituted-methyl)naphthalenes by direct excitation of photoactive leaving groups

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(00)73419-8

High efficiency in the two-photon intramolecular C - C bond formation to the two-photon product acenaphthene (4), obtained in a maximum yield of 72%, was achieved by direct activation of two separate leaving groups of 1,8-bis(phenoxymethyl)- (1a), 1,8-bis(phenylthiomethyl)- (1b), and 1,8-bis(phenylselenomethyl)-naphthalenes (1c) during KrF excimer laser (248 nm) and of 1,8-bis(4-benzoylphenoxymethyl)- (1d), 1,8-bis(3-benzoylphenoxymethyl)- (1e), and 1,8-bis(2-naphthoxymethyl)naphthalenes (1f) during XeF excimer laser (351 nm) photolyses.