Evidence of phenoxymethyl radical formation in laser photolyses of anisole in solution

Transient absorption spectrum of anisole in acetonitrile was observed by a 248-nm laser photolysis. In addition to the structured band observed at 400 nm, which was assigned to phenoxyl radical, a broad absorption band appeared at around 440 nm. The lifetime of the unknown species was not affected by oxygen. By means of acetone photosensitization reaction, photolysis of 1,2-diphenoxyethane, and ESR measurements, it is demonstrated that the transient is phenoxymethyl radical. The formation mechanism of the phenoxymethyl radical is discussed.