Photochemical generation of 9-Fluorenyl radicals

Title : Photochemical generation of 9-Fluorenyl radicals

Abstract:

A series of 9H-fluorenols and 9H, 9’H-bifluorenyls were irradiated in less polar solvents giving photoproducts derived from their corresponding 9H-fluorenyl radicals. These transient species were directly observed by laser flash photolysis and their UV/visible spectra compared to those of their corresponding cations. Theoretical calculations (DFT) of these intermediates indicate their destabilizing nature in similar fashion to the antiaromatic character of the corresponding cations.

Audience take-away:

• The concept of Photochemistry and equipment used,
• The nature of reactive intermediates and how they are useful in understanding mechanisms
• Substituent effects in predicting stabilities of intermediates.

Biography:

Edward Lee Ruff obtained his B.Sc. and Ph.D. from McGill University. He spent his postdoctoral studies at Columbia University, New York. He is currently Emeritus Professor after 45 years at York University. He has over 140 publications in peer reviewed journals and was awarded the Fellowship of the Canadian Institute of Chemistry. He has had 41 years of continuous government research support. His research also lead to two patents. He is also consultant for patent attorneys in litigation cases between generic and brand name drug companies. He has been involved in the outreach program giving lectures on patent issues between generic and brand name drugs.