Accelerated Recombination of Lophyl Radicals Solubilized in Micelles

Abstract

This report describes rapid photoisomerization of a lophine dimer facilitated by the inner environment of molecular assemblies. When the dimer was solubilized in a micellar solution, the rate of recombination of lophyl radicals, which were produced by ultraviolet irradiation, accelerated 100-fold. This result suggests that the confined space provided by the micelles inhibits free diffusion of the radical species and remarkably enhances the isomerization rate.