Probing mechanisms of photochemical reactions: How to teach a young dog old tricks

Abstract

The mechanism of photochemical reactions can be difficult to study because of the very short-lived intermediates involved. State-of-the art ultrafast spectroscopic tools can be used to probe these processes, but we will show in this account that old-fashioned techniques, such as the determination of quantum yields, the measurement of isotope effects or the use of triplet quenchers and sensitizers still can give a significant insight into the mechanism of photochemical reactions.