Abstract
The UV absorption spectrum of benzylchlorocarbene, generated by laser flash photolysis of 3-chloro-3- benzyldiazirine, has been observed in the 290-330 nm range. The lifetime of this species, 18 ns at 25°C, is determined by the rate of the 1,2-H migration to produce chlorostyrenes. Quenching rate constants of this carbene by acetic acid and tetramethylethylene have been measured. Comparison of this kinetic data with the quantitative analysis of the products obtained under continuous irradiation gives further insight into the mechanisms of carbene-acetic acid reactions.