THE PHOTOOXIDATION OF 8‐METHOXYPSORALEN

Abstract

Abstract— The photooxidation of 8‐methoxypsoralen has been studied. Enhancement of the reaction rate in deuterated solvents is in accord with the involvement of singlet oxygen. Several photoproducts including 6‐formyl‐7‐hydroxy‐8‐methoxycoumarin and polymer are formed. Low temperature nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies give evidence of a peroxidic intermediate.