Abstract

Solvent effects on the primary processes in the photoreduction of benzophenone by N,N-dimethylaniline and N,N-diethylaniline have been studied using picosecond absorption spectroscopy. It has been found that the photoreduction proceeds by rapid electron transfer to form the solvent-separated ion pair. This is followed by diffusion to form a contact ion pair, the rate of which is solvent dependent. Subsequent to contact ion pair formation, proton transfer is observed. The dynamics of proton transfer is dependent upon the solvent.

© 1984 Optical Society of America