Light induced controlled release of fragrances by Norrish type II photofragmentation of alkyl phenyl ketones

Abstract

The use of alkyl phenyl ketones as delivery systems for the controlled release of fragrances was investigated by photoirradiation of undegassed solutions with a xenon lamp as well as natural sunlight. A large variety of precursor compounds was prepared efficiently in a few reaction steps from commercially available starting materials. The Norrish type II photofragmentation was found to be the predominant reaction pathway to yield the desired perfumery alkenes and acetophenones in polar and apolar solution. Systematic GC-MS analysis of the irradiated solutions allowed identification of a series of side products that are due to the presence of oxygen. A detailed analysis of the product distribution after irradiation was carried out for a series of 4-alkoxy-1-phenylbutanone derivatives. Besides the expected acetophenones, vinyl ethers and phenylcyclobutanols, the formation of alkyl formates, alcohols and 4-oxo-4-phenylbutanoates was observed. The product distribution as influenced by solvent polarity, precursor concentration and substituent effects was investigated. The utility of alkyl phenyl ketones as precursors for the light induced controlled release of fragrances under natural daylight conditions was also demonstrated.