Photo and Radical Reactions of MA

Under the influence of light, maleic anhydride can undergo reactions with a variety of substrates. Common types of reactions involve [2 4- 2] cycloadditions and/or processes where radical intermediates occur. When radical intermediates do occur, often useful nonpolymeric adducts are obtained. So, in addition to the photoreactions, radical reactions of MA yielding nonpolymeric products are also discussed in this chapter. 

During the photoreactions of MA, the intermediacy of an excited charge-transfer (CT) complex is frequently suggested. Due to their mechanistic relevance, a discussion of complexes of MA has been included as well. 

Diels-Alder adduct formation between MA and anthracene, which is light catalyzed,and that of the photodienes are discussed elsewhere. 

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Photo and Radical Reactions of MA 201 Table 6.8. Reaction of Maleic Anhydride with Substituted Alkylbenzenes" ... 

More recently, photo-induced generation of the hydrides has been reported utilizing UV-irradiation of the sample in an aqueous medium spiked with low molecular weight acids such as formic, acetic, ma-lonic, etc. The efficiency of the process is greater than 70% for Se and, depending on the species in solution, radical reactions can give rise to various products, including the simple hydrides or alkylated derivatives, as outlined below ... 

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