Photodecomposition of poly(styrene peroxide)

Photodecomposition of poly(styrene peroxide) (PSP) has been carried out in detail by irradiating (300–360 nm) the PSP solution in CHCl3 and the products were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) method. In addition to benzaldehyde, α-hydroxy acetophenone and phenyl glycol reported in earlier studies, two new products, viz., α-methoxy acetophenone and α-benzyloxy acetophenone were also observed, the mechanism of their formation discussed. The plausible reasons for the higher percentage of disproportionation products in PSP photolysis compared to that reported in its thermolysis are also discussed.