Gas Phase Detection of Benzocyclopropenyl

The gas phase detection of benzocyclopropenyl is reported. In this aromatic resonance stabilized radical, a large angular strain is present due to a three-membered ring annelated to a benzene. The resonant two-color two-photon ionization technique is used to record the D1(2A2) ← D0(2B1) electronic transition of this radical after the in situ synthesis in a discharge source. The spectrum features absorptions up to 3300 cm–1 above the origin band at 19 305 cm–1. Benzocyclopropenyl is possibly the major product of the bimolecular reaction of benzene and an atomic carbon at low temperatures.