Externally sensitized mesolytic fragmentations in dithiane-ketone adducts

The apparent activation enthalpies, ΔH^≠, for externally sensitized mesolytic fragmentations in benzophenone-dithiane adducts were obtained in variable temperature photolyses and compared with DFT activation barriers calculated for β-scission in the corresponding oxygen-centered radicals. The results of these experimental and theoretical studies further support the mechanism in which deprotonation of the hydroxy-group, in the transient cation radical, is coupled with intramolecular electron transfer furnishing the O-centered radical, which subsequently fragments. The quantum yields of fragmentation increase for higher alkyl substituted dithiane adducts.