Solid State Photochemistry of Aziridines and Oxiranes

Abstract

Abstract The solid-state photolysis of oxiranes and aziridines produces highly colored ylide intermediates. The stability of these intermediates is dependent on a combination of electronic and steric factors as well as the solid-state constraints of the environment. By the use of certain gas-solid reactions, it is possible to control the lifetime of the intermediate so that it is destroyed immediately or continues to exist almost indefinitely. The anisotropic aspects of the reaction as well as the spectral properties of the intermediates are discussed. (“Live” demonstrations will be used as illustrations.)