Ultrafast transient infrared absorption studies of M(CO) 6 (M  Cr, Mo or W) photoproducts in n-hexane solution

Abstract

Following UV excitation, M(CO) 6 (MCr, Mo or W) species in solution lose one CO ligand, and a solvent molecule occupies the vacant site. These photochemical reactions are studied using a transient broadband IR absorption technique with 390 fs time resolution. The progress of these reactions, including loss of the M(CO) 6 reactant, appearance of a solvated M(CO) 5( n-hexane) product and vibrational energy distribution and relaxation of the product, is monitored through changes in infrared absorption by the CO ligands near 2000 cm −1.