Solvation effects on the iodoform ultraviolet direct photodissociation reaction. opening the photoisomerization channel

We present transient resonance Raman spectra that demonstrate that the iso-iodoform photoproduct is mainly associated with the similar to 400 nm transient absorption band observed following excitation of iodoform in the solution phase. Comparison of our present results with previously reported gas-phase experiments and results for the closely related diiodomethane molecular system suggests that solvation gives rise to noticeable formation of the iso-iodoform photoproduct by some recombination of the initially formed CHI2 and I photofragments within a solvent cage. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.