Photolysis of t-butyl-substituted p-benzoquinone mono- and di-imine derivatives

Rearrangement of a t-butyl group occurs when N-phenylsulphonyl-2-t-butyl-1,4-benzoquinone monoimine (Ia) or NN′-bisphenylsulphonyl-2,5-di-t-butyl-1,4-benzoquinone di-imine (IIa) is photolysed. The nature of the products depends upon the solvent employed. Olefins, esters, and heterocycles are among the products isolated.