Photochemistry of cyclohexene oxide radical cations in freonic matrices at 77 K

By employing EPR and UV/VIS spectroscopy and quantum chemical techniques, we demonstrated that the radical cations of cyclohexene oxide were stabilized upon radiolysis in freonic matrices at 77 K in their distorted form (with the C-C bond in the oxirane fragment elongated to 0.179 nm). Upon the action of light in the absorption band of these radical cations (lambda(max) similar to 480-490 nm), they undergo deprotonation, successively yielding 7-oxabicydo[4.1.0]heptan-3-yl and 7-oxabicyclo[4.1.0]heptan-2-yl radicals.