HPLC in photokinetics: Determination of reaction mechanism and photochemical quantum yields of (E)-1-phenylpropene

Summary A combined method of high-performance liquid chromatography and UV-absorption spectroscopy is described for use in dynamic systems. It provides a way of obtaining detailed mechanistic information as well as quantitative data (rate constants, quantum yields), even though neither mechanism nor photoproducts are known. The kinetic treatment of the photoreaction of (E)-1-phenylpropene was successful, showing a photo-isomerization and a parallel step. Information on this additional step is obtained by using HPLC to observe the changes in the concentrations of the reactants' selectivity. The necessity of process control is demonstrated.Dedicated to Prof. Ernst Bayer on the occasion of his 60^th anniversary.