The matrix-isolation IR spectrum of the o-quinonoid intermediate in the photolysis of 2-nitrobenzyl methyl ether

Photolysis of 2-nitrobenzyl methyl ether in Ar and N-2 matrices at 12 K generated an intermediate with lambda(max) at 430 nm, and which was itself photolabile at 430 - 460 nm. Matrix IR spectra, as well as the UV-visible absorption, were obtained for this species. An analogous intermediate had previously been observed in flash-photolysis studies of 2-nitrobenzyl 4-cyanophenyl ether, and had been assigned an o-quinonoid structure on the basis of its kinetic behaviour and the position of its UV-visible absorption. In the matrix studies with 2-nitrobenzyl methyl ether, the IR spectra confirmed the o-quinonoid structure. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.