The solvent plays a crucial role in the intramolecular relaxation and structural dynamics of transition metal complexes. However, quantifying its effect is not trivial due to the lack of clear observables. Using a range of novel ultrafast tools, in particular multidimensional UV spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, we will present examples of the solvent on the dynamics of different metal complexes. We will show examples where the intramolecular relaxation (internal conversion, vibrational relaxation, intersystem crossing) is modulated by the solvent, while a more extreme case is when one or more solvent molecules form a bond with the molecule, e.g. as in the case of photoaquation of Fe2+(CN)6. We have determined the time scale for the latter, which we will discuss in terms of solvent relaxation times.

Interplay between intra- and intermolecular dynamics of metal complexes in solution

245th National Meeting (2013)

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