Controlling Photochemical Geometric Isomerization of a Stilbene and Dimerization of a Styrene Using a Confined Reaction Cavity in Water

Abstract
Utility of a water-soluble deep cavity cavitand, octa acid, as a reaction medium is illustrated by carrying out photochemical reactions of a stilbene and a styrene included within the octa acid in water. Geometric isomerization of trans-4,4‘-dimethyl stilbene is restricted while dimerization of 4-methyl styrene is facilitated within the octa acid cavity. The excited-state chemistry of both systems is different in this medium from that in organic solvents. The change in chemistry is attributed to the supramolecular effects provided by the host cavity.

This publication has 17 references indexed in Scilit: