Matrix isolation investigation of the photochemical reaction of benzene with CrCl2O2 and OVCl3

The matrix isolation technique, combined with infrared spectroscopy, has been used to characterize the products of the photochemical reactions of benzene with CrCl(2)O(2) and OVCl(3). While initial twin jet deposition of the reagents led to no visible changes in the recorded spectra, strong product bands were noted following irradiation with light of lambda > 300 nm. Wavelength dependence studies determined that light of lambda < 590 nm led to reaction and oxygen atom transfer, forming an eta(1)-complex between 2,4-cyclohexadienone and CrCl(2)O. The identification of the complex was further supported by isotopic labeling ((13)C and (2)H) and by density functional calculations at the B3LYP/6-311G++(d,2p) level. Merged-jet experiments in which thermal reactions are examined were also conducted, at temperatures as high as 150 degrees C. No products were observed.