Question

Why is 2-propanol a suitable solvent to use during the photo reduction of benzophenone?

Answer 1

Benzophenone,C6HsCOC6H5,absorbs ultraviolet ligh in an n--->pi* transition.A mixture of benzophenone and naphthalene with 330-nm light produces phosphorescent emission from naphthalene.

2-Propanone (acetone)vapor undergoes a photodissociation reaction with 313-nm light .Exited T1 benzophenone

responsible for the intermolecular hydrogen abstraction reaction of photoexcited benzophenone from 2-propanol .

The n, π* triplet state of carbonyl compounds is diradicaloid in nature, with their reactivity modeled by alkoxy radicals; hence,their tendency to participate in hydrogen abstraction reactions.

CH3COCH3 + hnu ---->[CH3COCH3]*---->CH3C.=O + .CH3

so 2-proponol is a good solvent for the reaction.It help the in increasing rate of reaction .