Dr. Andrew B. Bocarsly of the Chemistry Department, Princeton University, is supported by the Inorganic, Bioinorganic, and Organometallic Chemistry Program for research on the photochemistry and photophysics of multielectron charge transfer reactions. A multimetal cyano-bridged Pt(IV) system has been shown to undergo a two-electron charge transfer reaction after photoexcitation. This system will be studied in detail in order to gain better understanding of the primary controlling process. The electronic and molecular structure of the primary photoproduct will be determined using high speed laser spectroscopy. The degree of delocalization associated with the charge transfer state will be determined, as well as the role of solvent. This information will be used to synthesize new cyano-bridged multinuclear systems in order to provide molecular control over the observed charge transfer chemistry. Materials in which electrons are mobilized after being activated by light are technologically important. In this project, the structural details of the effect of reaction with light on a series of compounds will be determined. Attempts will be made to extend the lifetime of the material so that further photoactivation can take place. This fundamental research project will improve capability to utilize solar energy for the formation of useful fuels and fine chemicals and to develop nonlinear optical materials.
