First direct observation of reactive carbenes in the cavities of cation-exchanged Y zeolites

[reaction: see text] Herein we report the first direct observation of reactive carbenes within the cavities of cation-exchanged Y zeolites. Chloro(phenyl)- and bromo(phenyl)carbenes were generated upon laser photolysis of 3-halo-3-phenyldiazirines incorporated within dry zeolites and the absolute reactivity of the carbenes was investigated as a function of counterbalancing cation and coincorporated quenchers in order to elucidate the behavior of these intermediates within zeolites. Product analysis performed upon thermolysis of the diazirine in Y zeolites yielded products that were identified as those derived from the carbene.