Photochemistry of Organic Compounds
Introduction
Photochemistry is the study of chemical reactions that occur when molecules absorb light. Organic photochemistry is the study of these reactions in organic molecules. Photochemical reactions are important because they can be used to synthesize new compounds, modify existing compounds, and study the structure and reactivity of organic molecules.Basic Concepts
The basic concepts of photochemistry are relatively simple. When a molecule absorbs light, the energy of the light is transferred to the molecule. This energy can then be used to break bonds, form new bonds, or excite electrons. The type of reaction that occurs depends on the wavelength of the light that is absorbed.Visible light has a wavelength of 400-700 nm. This light can be used to excite electrons in organic molecules. When an electron is excited, it moves to a higher energy orbital. This can lead to a change in the molecule's structure or reactivity.
Ultraviolet light has a wavelength of 100-400 nm. This light can be used to break bonds in organic molecules. When a bond is broken, the molecule can fragment into smaller pieces.
X-rays have a wavelength of less than 100 nm. This light can be used to ionize organic molecules. When a molecule is ionized, an electron is removed from the molecule. This can lead to a change in the molecule's structure or reactivity.
Equipment and Techniques
There are a variety of equipment and techniques that can be used to study photochemical reactions. The most common type of equipment is a photoreactor. A photoreactor is a chamber that is used to expose organic molecules to light. Photoreactors can be equipped with a variety of light sources, including lamps, lasers, and LEDs.Other equipment that can be used to study photochemical reactions includes spectrophotometers, fluorimeters, and mass spectrometers. Spectrophotometers are used to measure the amount of light that is absorbed by a sample. Fluorimeters are used to measure the amount of fluorescence that is emitted by a sample. Mass spectrometers are used to identify the products of a photochemical reaction.
Types of Experiments
There are a variety of different types of photochemical experiments that can be performed. The most common type of experiment is a photolysis experiment. In a photolysis experiment, a sample of an organic molecule is exposed to light and the products of the reaction are analyzed.Other types of photochemical experiments include:
Fluorescence experiments:In a fluorescence experiment, a sample of an organic molecule is exposed to light and the amount of fluorescence that is emitted by the sample is measured. Phosphorescence experiments: In a phosphorescence experiment, a sample of an organic molecule is exposed to light and the amount of phosphorescence that is emitted by the sample is measured.
Laser flash photolysis experiments:* In a laser flash photolysis experiment, a sample of an organic molecule is exposed to a short pulse of laser light and the products of the reaction are analyzed.
Data Analysis
The data from a photochemical experiment can be analyzed in a variety of ways. The most common type of analysis is to plot the amount of product that is formed as a function of the amount of light that is absorbed. This plot can be used to determine the quantum yield of the reaction. The quantum yield is the number of moles of product that are formed per mole of light that is absorbed.Other types of data analysis that can be performed include:
Kinetic analysis:Kinetic analysis can be used to determine the rate of a photochemical reaction. Thermodynamic analysis: Thermodynamic analysis can be used to determine the equilibrium constant of a photochemical reaction.
Spectral analysis:* Spectral analysis can be used to identify the products of a photochemical reaction.
Applications
Photochemistry has a wide variety of applications in organic chemistry. Some of the most important applications include:The synthesis of new compounds:Photochemical reactions can be used to synthesize a wide variety of new compounds, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and polymers. The modification of existing compounds: Photochemical reactions can be used to modify the structure or reactivity of existing compounds. This can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as improving the performance of a drug or making a material more resistant to degradation.
The study of the structure and reactivity of organic molecules:* Photochemical reactions can be used to study the structure and reactivity of organic molecules. This information can be useful for understanding the mechanisms of organic reactions and for designing new drugs and materials.