Photodissociation in Molecular Crystals

Abstract
The photodissociation of s-tetrazine (ST) and its dimethyl derivative (DMST) is discussed. The presence of an intermediate in the dissociation process is inferred from the dependence of the photodissociation on exciting light intensity of ST and DMST as guests in molecular crystal hosts. The absorption spectrum of the intermediate is also described. These results illustrate the usefulness of studying photochemical reactions at low temperatures using high-resolution spectroscopic techniques.