THE PHOTOCHEMISTRY OF THE ALIPHATIC NITROCOMPOUNDS .9. THE FLASH-PHOTOLYSIS OF THE ALPHA-POLYNITROALKYLSULFIDES AND ALPHA-POLYNITROALKYLSULFONES

1. The photochemical breakdown of the α-polynitroalkylsulfides (I) and α-polynitroalkylsulfones (II) proceeds largely through homolytic {Mathematical expression} bond rupture with the formation of radicals. 2. The extent of breakdown of (I) and (II) is determined by the molecular structure, being almost completely unaffected by the nature of the solvent. The ratio of the final photolysis products is determined by secondary reactions between the radicals and between the radicals and the solvent. © 1980 Plenum Publishing Corporation.