The three isomeric cymenes are examined in photochemical reactions involving hydrogen transfer with 1, 4-naphthalenedicarbonitrile (NDN), a, a, a-trifluoroacetophenone (TFA), and benzophenone (BP). Selectivity for attack at primary vs tertiary position (P/T) and quantum yield are determined. The reactions are rationalized as involving loose perpendicular complexes yielding a low P/T ratio in the products (with BP na triplet), a face-to-face ...
