Modification of Photochemical Reactivity by Cyclodextrin. Difference in Photobehavior between Short Chain and Long Chain Benzoin Alkyl Ethers: Conformational Effect

The photochemical behavior of long chain benzoin alkyl ethers when complexed to β-cyclodextrin has been investigated with the view to understand their chemical behavior when included in the above host matrix. Photolysis results in benzil and pinacol ethers as the main products in solid β-cyclodextrin complex and benzaldehyde, benzil, pinacol ethers, and deoxybenzoin in aqueous β-cyclodextrin complex. The results on long chain benzoin alkyl ethers 4-6 are distinctly different from those of short chain benzoin alkyl ethers 1-3.