Photochemical interconversion of some diazo-amides and diazirinecarboxamides

Abstract

The photoisomerisation of diazo-compounds by visible light to give diazirines appears to be restricted to α-diazo-amides. Mono- and di-substituted, alkyl- and aryl-diazirinecarboxamides as well as the parent diazirinecarboxamide have been made in this way. The photoisomerisation of the diazirinecarboxamides back to diazo-amides can be effected by irradiation at the frequency of the diazirine absorption band. The thermolysis of some diazirinecarboxamides has also been investigated.