Abstract

Although aromatic nitro compounds exhibit a rich photochemistry, characterization of their electronically excited states has been precluded by their generally low fluorescence quantum yields and efficient channels of nonradiative deactivation. Recently, Yip et al [1] have reported the triplet absorption spectra of nitrobenzene and of alkyl nitrobenzenes in solution. Employing picosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, we have identified processes of intramolecular hydrogen abstraction, charge transfer, and photodissociation for various nitroaromatics in solution.

© 1986 Optical Society of America