C-O bond fragmentation of 4-picolyl- and N-methyl-4-picolinium esters triggered by photochemical electron transfer

Photochemical reduction of several 4-picolyl- and N-methy-4-picolinium esters is examined using product analysis, laser flash photolysis, and fluorescence quenching. It is demonstrated that the radical (anions) formed in these reactions readily fragment t yield a carboxylic acid and a 4-pyridylmethyl radical intermediate.