Organic photochemistry with 6.7-eV photons: .gamma.,.delta.-unsaturated ketones

A computational study of the mechanisms of the photoisomerization reactions of monocyclic and bicyclic olefins

The mechanisms of the photochemical isomerization reactions were investigated theoretically using a model system of cyclohexene (1), cycloheptene (2), norbornene (3), and two bicyclic olefins (4 and 5) using the CASSCF (six-electron/six-orbital active space) and MP2-CAS methods with the 6-311(d,p) basis set. The structures of the conical intersections, which play a decisive role in such photoisomerizations, were obtained. The intermediates and transition structures of the ground state were also calculated to assist in providing a qualitative explanation of the reaction pathways. Two photoreaction pathways were examined in the present work. The first can produce a photoproduct with an extra ring. The other can yield a photoproduct with a smaller ring with an external double bond. Both pathways involve cyclic carbene intermediates. Also, our model investigations suggest that both reaction pathways follow a similar photochemical pattern as follows: reactant → Franck-Condon region → conical intersection → cyclic carbene intermediate → transition state → photoproduct. Moreover, these two reaction pathways can compete with each other since the energetics of their conical intersection points are quite similar. Our present theoretical results agree with the available experimental observations.

Nickel-catalyzed electrochemical couplings of vinyl halides: synthetic and stereochemical aspects

Homo- and cross-coupling involving alkenyl halides have been performed efficiently using an electroassisted nickel-complex catalysis. Valuable product such as conjugated dienes, beta,gamma- or gamma,delta-unsaturated esters, ketones, or nitriles, as well as alkenylated aryl compounds are thus prepared with high yields and high stereoselectivity. Partial isomerization is only observed in a few cases, when the alkenyl halide is involved in a late step of the catalytic cycle. This is the case in the preparation of (Z,Z)-1,3-diene.

Studies on curcumin and curcuminoids. VIII. Photochemical stability of curcumin

The photodecomposition of curcumin when exposed to UV/visible radiation is studied. The main degradation products are identified. The reaction mechanisms are investigated and the order of the over-all degradation reactions and the half-lives of curcumin in different solvents and in the solid state are determined.