Quantum amplified isomerization in polymers based on triplet chain reactions.

Photoinitiated triplet quantum amplified isomerizations (QAI) of substituted Dewar benzene derivatives in polymeric media are reported. The quantum efficiencies and the ultimate extents of reactant-to-product conversions increase significantly with the incorporation of appropriate co-sensitizers; compounds whose triplet energies are similar to or lower than that of the sensitizer and close to that of the reactant. These co-sensitizers serve to promote chain-propagating energy transfer processes and thereby increase the action sphere of photosensitization.