AN EXAMPLE OF ORGANIC SYNTHESIS INDUCED BY LASER IRRADIATION

Abstract
Apart from certain rare instances, the synthesis of cyclobutane derivatives must be performed photochemically. If, however, acrylonitrile is used as reagent (e.g. for the synthesis of nitrile function terpenes known for their "green notes"), a parasite polymerisation reaction that prevents the intermolecular reaction, is observed. Since the laser is both a powerful and a monochromatic light source, it is a tool of choice for the selective excitation of a chosen substrate molecule.