Bringing Photochemistry to the Masses: A Simple, Effective, and Inexpensive Photoreactor, Right Out of the Box

Abstract

An inexpensive and commercially available ultraviolet light device, intended for “drying” gel-type fingernail polish, was tested as a photochemical reactor with five organic photochemical laboratory experiments. The device performs satisfactorily and gives product yields comparable to or better than reported results, often in less time. The low cost and ease of use should make photochemical reactions more accessible to undergraduate students.