Abstract: The effects of a and ortho substituents on the photoreactivity of various a-(0-tolyl)- and a-mesitylacetophenones have been measured. In general, both types of substitution lower the efficiency of cyclization to 2-indanol derivatives in solution. I, 3-Rearrangement of an a-mesityl group to form enol ethers and a-cleavage to radicals compete to various degrees, in some cases becoming dominant. Quenching studies in solution show that all ...