Photochemistry at the RCDC

The scope of the Radiation Chemistry Data Center (RCDC) was expanded in 1977 to include the collection of papers containing quantitative data on photophysical and photochemical processes. Since that time, several compilations have been prepared containing critically evaluated data extracted from the literature referenced in our bibliographic database which also supports our compilation activities on the kinetics (and other properties) of free radicals.

Data compilations currently derive from three main areas:

  1. Excited (Organic) Triplet States
  2. Metal Complex Excited State Quenching
  3. Singlet Molecular Oxygen
A Handbook of Photochemistry containing a much wider variety of photochemical and photophysical data has also been published. (1993, Marcel Dekker)

Triplet Excited States

The participation of the excited triplet state has been implicated in a wide range of photochemical and photophysical processes. Identification by spectral location and quantitification by molar absorption coefficient calibration have been addressed in a compilation of triplet-triplet absorption parameters, including a statistical analysis of measured absorptivities, reviews of methodology and the selection of recommended values. Formation quantum yields, phosphorescence yields and decay rates have also been compiled for key triplet states, and extensive tabulations of further important properties, such as bimolecular quenching rates, have been provided in the second edition of the Handbook of Photochemistry.

Excited Metal Complex Quenching

The quenching of the excited states of metal complexes, especially ruthenium tris(bipy), in solution is a topic of central importance to solar photochemistry...

Singlet Molecular Oxygen

The first compilation derived from photochemical bibliographic activity focused on the reaction rates of singlet molecular oxygen and was published 1981; an update and revision of the orginal work is in press. Recently the quantum yields for the photoproduction of singlet oxygen have also been collected and evaluated.

Handbook of Photochemistry

Steven L. Murov, Ian Carmichael, and Gordon L. Hug
Second Edition, Marcel Dekker, publisher (1993).
More information about just what's in the Handbook of Photochemistry is available, or if you just want to go ahead and order it....

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This document prepared by Ian Carmichael

e-mail: rcdc@rcdvax.rad.nd.edu

Work supported by:

Office of Basic Energy Sciences
United States Department of Energy
Last Update: K.P. Madden / 960206