The concurrence of photoreduction and bromination of 1,4-benzoquinone in aqueous solution

Nan Li, James R. Green*, Jichang Wang

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The 1,4-benzoquinone-bromine photoreaction is investigated with UV/Vis spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and 1H NMR methods. The absorption and mass spectra suggest that 1,4-benzoquinone in aqueous solution reacts with bromine only in the presence of light, which leads to the production of brominated-1,4-hydroquinones. Parallel experiments performed with illuminated and unilluminated 1,4-hydroquinone-bromine reactions indicate that the bromination of the benzene ring takes place during rather than after the photoreduction of 1,4-benzoquinone. The results provide an explanation for the subtle photosensitivity seen in a number of acidic bromate-aromatic compound reactions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)241-246
Number of pages6
JournalChemical Physics Letters
Volume447
Issue number4-6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 25 Oct 2007
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The concurrence of photoreduction and bromination of 1,4-benzoquinone in aqueous solution'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this