Intramolecular perturbations and the quenching of luminescence in small molecules

We consider the problem of interpreting quenching kinetics in small molecules [e.g., CN, CH₂, NO₂ and SO₂] which show significant intrinsic interactions, and argue the importance of analyzing these data in terms of collisional transitions between perturbed (mixed electronic parentage) as opposed to pure (non-spectroscopic) vibronic states. Time resolved experiments are discussed which could determine more unambiguous deactivation cross sections and spectral assignments.