Photorearrangement of Aryl Esters in Micellar Medium

Abstract

Effect of a micelle (SDS) on the photorearrangement of aryl esters have been investigated. Thus, phenyl, p- and m-cresyl, and 2-naphthyl benzoates yielded the corresponding o-hydroxybenzophenones as a major product in high yield. Phenyl cinnamate gave 2-hydroxychalcone. 2,4,6-Tri-butylphenylbenzoate, however, underwent decarboxylation yielding 2,4,6-tri-t-butyl biphenyl in quantitative yield.