Abstract

The 310 nm photodissociation of Mn₂(CO)_l0 in cyclohexane has been studied using sub-picosecond IR detection near 5 μm. Photodissociation of Mn₂(CO)₁₀ results in two photoproducts, Mn(CO)₅ and Mn₂(CO)₉ The latter undergoes an internal rearrangement to form a semi-bridged CO bond that is suspectible to solvent ligand exchange in electron donating solvents. Photodissociation dynamics have been previously studied using ultrafast UV/vis spectroscopy indicating sub-ps geminate recombination [1] and vibrational relaxation of the products. [2] This study utilizes ultrafast IR detection because it provides band-resolved spectra and is uniquely suited to identify and monitor the bridge bond via the isolated bridge band near 1760 cm⁻¹. This has clearly been demonstrated by flash photolysis studies of Mn₂(CO)₁₀ in many environments.[3]

© 1996 Optical Society of America