Photoinduced electron transfer from polystyrene pendant tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium (II) complex to methylviologen

The characteristics of the photoinduced electron transfer reaction from polystyrene pendant tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium (II) complex [Ru(bpy)] to methylviologen (MV²⁺) were studied. The rate constant k₁ from the excited state of the complex, Ru(bpy), to MV²⁺ were determined for both the polymeric and monomeric complexes from the lifetime τ of Ru(bpy) and the quenching rate of Ru(bpy) by MV²⁺. The polymer pendant Ru(bpy) showed three kinds of τ components ranging from 7 to 474 ns, in contrast to the monomeric complex, which showed one component of 350 ns. The k₁ values for both complexes were almost the same, on the order of 10⁸ L/mol s. The photoinduced electron transfer from solid-phase Ru(bpy) to liquid-phase MV²⁺ was realized by utilizing the polymer complex, and the solid–liquid interphase reaction system is discussed.     

Charge stripping C

Measurements of the translational energy loss accompanying the charge-stripping reactions M⁺+N→M²⁺+N+e⁻ and M²⁺+N→M³⁺+N+e⁻ have been performed for C, C and C, C respectively. The energy nesessary to remove the second electron from Buckminsterfullerene was determined, Q=IE(C→C=12.25±0.5 eV.     

Spectroscopic,Electrochemical, and Kinetic Characterization of New Ruthenium(II) Tris-chelates Containing Five-Membered Heterocyclic Moieties

Synthesis, redox, photophysical, and photochemical properties of Ru(NN) complexes NN = 2-((2′-pyridyl)thiazole (pyth), 2-(2′-pyrazyl)thiazole (pzth), 2,2′-bithiazole (bth), 5-(2′-pyridyl)-1,2,4-thiadiazole (pytda), 2-(2′-pyridyl)imidazole (pyim), 1-methyl-2-(2′-pyridyl)imidazole (Mepyim), and 2-(2′-pyridyl)oxazole (pyox)) are described. Oxidation potentials for the Ru^3+/2+ couples in MeCN varied from about 0.80 V to 1.60 V vs. NHE. Three reduction waves were observed in all the cases except for Ru(pyim) and Ru(Mepyim) complexes and asigned to the one-electron reduction of each bidentate ligand. Absorption spectra contained bands in the UV (280–325 nm) and VIS (437–481 nm) regions which have been assigned to ligand-centered π-π* and metal-to-ligand charge-transfer dπ-π* transitions, respectively. Emission spectra at 77 K were determined for all the complexes presenting maxima in the 580–650-nm region, with vibrational progression in some of them. Only pyth, pzth, bth, and pytda tris-chelates showed luminescence at room temperature in aqueous solution, with quantum yields ranging from 0.0013 to 0.0095 and excited-state lifetimes from 55 to 390 ns, as determined from pulsed laser techniques. Their E_0–0 spetroscopic energies have been estimated from emission wavelength maxima at 77 K which, in turn, have allowed calculation of excited-state redox potentials. A plot of E_0–0 vs. ΔE_1/2, where ΔE_1/2 = E_1/2(3+/2+) ? E_1/2(2+/+), was linear with a slope of ca. 1.1 and a correlation coefficient of 0.999, demonstrating an identical nature of the orbital involved in spectroscopic and electrochemical processes. Photochemical properties of Ru(NN) complexes have been tested using methyl viologen (MV²⁺) in Ar-purged aqueous solution at pH 5. Stern-Volmer treatment has led to the determination of bimolecular quenching constants (0.5 to 2 × 10⁹m^?1·s^?1) which parallel electron-transfer free-energy changes. Homogeneous back-reaction of primarily produced MV^+· and Ru(NN) has been measured resulting to be slightly higher than diffusion control and independent of ligand nature. Rate constants for the scavenging of Ru(NN) by added edta have been also determined (1.7 to 8.2 × 10⁸M^?1 · S^?1). Under such conditions, net production of MV^+· is attained with quantum yields varying from 0.003 to 0.038 (single-shot laser results).     

Electron transfer reactivity of O2+O system in low-spin coupling: Ab Initio study at electron correlation level

The electron transfer reactivity of the O₂+O system in low-spin coupling is studied at the second-order unrestricted Møller–Plesset (full)/6-311+G* basis set level by using different transition state structures. The properties and stabilities of the encounter complexes are compared for the five selected coupling structures: two T type, collinear, parallel, and crossing. The activation barriers and the coupling matrix elements are also calculated. The results indicate that the structures of the encounter complexes directly affect the electron transfer mechanism and rate. These encounter complexes are structurally unstable, the contact distances between the acceptor O₂ and the donor O are generally large, the interaction is weak, and the structures are floppy. The electronic transmission factor for the reacting system, O₂+O, is less than unity; thus, the electron transfer reaction is nonadiabatic in nature. Analysis of the dependence of relevant kinetic parameters on various influencing factors has shown that the effect of the solvent medium on the coupling matrix element is small but that on the electron transfer rate is very large. Among the five selected transition state structures, the electron transfer is more likely to take place via T₁-type and P-type structures. In the low-spin coupling the favorable electronic states for two reacting species are ¹∑(O₂) and X²Π_g(O) instead of X³∑(O₂) and X²π_g(O), which are favorable for the high-spin (quartet state) coupling mechanism. ©1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 20: 989–998, 1999     

Theoretical study of one‐electron bonds in a series of high‐spin lithium–beryllium–hydrogen clusters: “Valence shell single‐electron repulsion” rule and electron localization function analysis

A series of high‐spin clusters containing Li, H, and Be in which the valence shell molecular orbitals (MOs) are occupied by a single electron has been characterized using ab initio and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. A first type (⁵Li₂, ⁿ⁺¹LiH_n+ (n = 2–5), ⁸Li₂H) possesses only one electron pair in the lowest MO, with bond energies of ～3 kcal/mol. In a second type, all the MOs are singly occupied, which results in highly excited species that nevertheless constitute a marked minimum on their potential energy surface (PES). Thus, it is possible to design a larger panel of structures (⁸LiBe, ⁷Li₂, ⁸Li, ⁴LiH⁺, ⁶BeH, ⁿ⁺³LiH (n = 3, 4), ⁿ⁺²LiH (n = 4–6), ⁸Li₂H, ⁹Li₂H, ²²Li₃Be₃ and ²²Li₆H), single‐electron equivalent to doublet “classical” molecules ranging from CO to C₆H₆. The geometrical structure is studied in relation to the valence shell single‐electron repulsion (VSEPR) theory and the electron localization function (ELF) is analyzed, revealing a striking similarity with the corresponding structure having paired electrons. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007     

Kinetics of the solvolysis of [Co(3Rpy)4Cl2]+ ions (R = Me or Et) in water and in water + methanol mixtures

Rates of solvolysis of ions [Co(3Rpy)₄Cl₂]⁺ with R = Me and Et have been measured over a range of temperatures for a series of water-rich water + methanol mixtures to investigate the effect of changes in solvent structure on the solvolysis of complexes presenting a largely hydrophobic surface to the solvent. The variation of the enthalpies and entropies of activation with solvent composition has been determined. A free energy cycle relating the free energy of activation in water to that in water + methanol is applied using free energies of transfer of individual ionic species from water into water + methanol. Data for the free energy of transfer of chloride ions ΔG(Cl^?) from both the spectrophotometric solvent sorting method and the TATB method for separating ΔG(salt) into ΔG(i) for individual ions are used: irrespective of the source of ΔG(Cl^?), in general, ?ΔG(Co(Rpy)₄Cl²⁺) > ?ΔG(Co(Rpy)₄Cl₂⁺), where Rpy = py, 4Mepy, 4Etpy, 3Etpy, and 3Mepy, showing that changes in solvent structure in water-rich water + methanol mixtures generally stabilize the cation in the transition state more than the cation in the initial state for this type of complex ion. A similar result is found when the free energy cycle is applied to the solvolysis of the dichloro (2,2′,2″-triaminotriethylamine)cobalt(III) ion. The introduction of a Me or Et group on the pyridine ring in [Co(Rpy)₄Cl₂]⁺ has little influence on the difference {ΔG(Co(Rpy)₄Cl²⁺)?ΔG(Co(Rpy)₄Cl₂⁺)} in water + methanol with the mol fraction of methanol < 0.20.     

The reactions of polyacetylene with trimethyloxonium hexachloroantimonate. Covalent doping of (CH)x

Polyacetylene, (CH)_x, has been doped with trimethyloxonium hexachloroantimonate, (CH₃)₃O⁺SbCl(1), in dichloromethane and acetonitrile. The maximally doped (CH)_x films have moderate conductivities [σ_RT(CH₂Cl₂) = 10, σ_RT(CH₃CN) = 0.7 Ω^?1 cm^?1]. Reactions between 1 and (CH)_x CH₂Cl₂ or CH₃CN were followed in situ by ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and x-band electron spin resonance spectroscopy. It was found that the reactions in the two solvents are different. In dichloromethane the dopant is SbCl₅, which forms from the decomposition of 1, and doping proceeds by electron removal from (CH)_x chains. Based on the ESR signal loss, an estimate can be made of the diffusion rate of SbCl₅, into the (CH)_x fibrils in CH₂Cl₂; it is found to be ca. 10^?17 cm²/s. In acetonitrile the dopant appears to be either CH₃CNCH, H⁺, CH, or a combination of one or more of these dopants. It is postulated that the CH₃CNCH, CH, and/or H⁺ dopant covalently binds to the (CH)_x chain. X-ray photoelectron spectra show that films doped with excess 1 in both solvents have approximately one SbCl per 33 CH units.     

Heterogeneous surface saponification of suspension‐polymerized monodisperse poly(vinyl acetate) microspheres using various ions

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) microspheres with a skin/core structure were prepared through the heterogeneous surface saponification of PVAc microspheres suspension‐polymerized. The PVA skin formed through the heterogeneous saponification was hydrogel swellable in water. In addition, to obtain monodisperse PVA/PVAc microspheres having various skin/core ratios and morphologies, the ion‐specificities to the heterogeneous saponification were investigated using SO, Cl^?, NO, Br^?, and I^? for anions and Li⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺ for cations, respectively. The ions were not specific significantly to the rate of the heterogeneous saponification, while were related to the degree of saponification (DS). DSs had different values between by weight loss (DS_w) and by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (DS_NMR) measurements. The order of DS_ws was SO < Cl^? < NO < Br^? < I^? for anions and K⁺ < Na⁺ < Li⁺ for cations, and that of DS_NMRs, I^? < Br^? < NO < Cl^? < SO for anions and Li⁺ < Na⁺ < K⁺ for cations. The differences in values between DS_ws and DS_NMRs were caused by the dissolution of PVA skin and were significantly decreased for SO. The peaks at melting temperature of PVA were sharp and their areas were large for ions deswelling PVA skins.     

Chemical wave studies in the bromate–pyrocatechol beads system

We studied the chemical wave activity of the pyrocatechol‐acidic bromate system in the presence of ferroin‐loaded beads. The wave activity lasted for more than 24 h while meandering spirals continued for up to 10 h. Rigid and meandering spiral waves were investigated. We have analyzed the wave propagation speed and spiral tip trajectory versus the initial concentrations of all reagents as well as the age of the solution. Wave velocity depends on [H⁺] and [BrO] concentrations by the relationship v=k[H⁺]^1/2[BrO]^1/2, which is in agreement with other studies. This system is ideal to study wave activity and spiral waves as it does not produce precipitates under the studied conditions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 198–203, 2011     

Hydration structures and energetics of phospholipid

Using previously reported ab initio potentials of the intermolecular interaction energies of phospholipid (PL), Lysophosphatidyl Ethanolamine, with one Na⁺ ion and one water molecule, we performed Monte Carlo simulations for PL-water and PL-Na⁺-water systems. Water-water and PL-water interaction energetics of PL hydration sites are analyzed to understand, in a qualitative way, why the PL head part shows hydrophilicity and the tail part shows hydrophobicity. The interaction of Na⁺ with PL, as well as the interaction of water with PL, is visualized from the analysis of the hydration structures near PL, and the radial distribution functions are analyzed for selected hydration sites. The PL molecule shows much stronger interaction with Na⁺ than with water. The Na⁺ ion is likely to be strongly bound to PO, even to the extent of being trapped, whereas, for water, there exist two strong binding regions near NH and PO. Three water molecules near NH are much more strongly bound than four water molecules near the double-bonded oxygens of PO. The hydrogens of CH₂ adjacent to NH show somewhat strong hydrophilicity, while the hydrogens of CH₂ adjacent to PO does not show such characteristics. The CH₂ groups at the PL tail part give repulsive interactions with water molecules, showing hydrophobicity. Water molecules near the PL tail are stabilized only by water-water interactions.     

Laser ablation of AgSbS2 and cluster analysis by time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry

Thin films of AgSbS₂ are important for phase‐change memory applications. This solid is deposited by various techniques, such as metal organic chemical vapour deposition or laser ablation deposition, and the structure of AgSbS₂(s), as either amorphous or crystalline, is already well characterized. The pulsed laser ablation deposition (PLD) of solid AgSbS₂ is also used as a manufacturing process. However, the processes in plasma have not been well studied. We have studied the laser ablation of synthesized AgSbS₂(s) using a nitrogen laser of 337 nm and the clusters formed in the laser plume were identified. The ablation leads to the formation of various single charged ternary Ag_pSb_qS_r clusters. Negatively charged AgSbS, AgSb₂S, AgSb₂S, AgSb₂S and positively charged ternary AgSbS⁺, AgSb₂S⁺, AgSb₂S, AgSb₂S clusters were identified. The formation of several singly charged Ag⁺, Ag, Ag, Sb, Sb, S ions and binary Ag_pS_r clusters such as AgSb, Ag₃S^?, SbS (r = 1–5), Sb₂S^?, Sb₂S, Sb₃S (r = 1–4) and AgS, SbS⁺, SbS, Sb₂S⁺, Sb₂S, Sb₃S (r = 1–4), AgSb was also observed. The stoichiometry of the clusters was determined via isotopic envelope analysis and computer modeling. The relation of the composition of the clusters to the crystal structure of AgSbS₂ is discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Stability,Formation and Dissociation Kinetics of the Pentacoordinate Ni2+ and CO2+ Complexes with 1,5-Diazacyclooctane-N,N′-diacetic Acid

The stability constants of the Ni²⁺ and Co²⁺ complexes with 1,5-diazacyclooctane-N,N′-diacetic acid (H₂DACODA) have been determined potentiometrically in 0.5M KNO₃ at 25°. Only M(DACODA) and M(DACODA)OH^? were observed. In addition the formation and dissociation kinetics of the pentacoordinate complexes M(DACODA) has been studied in aqueous solution using a stopped-flow technique. Formation follows the rate law v_f = k_f [M²⁺] [HDACODA^?]/[H⁺], which can be interpreted as a bimolecular process either between M²⁺ and DACODA^2? (k) or between MOH⁺ and HDACODA^? (k). The second order rate constants k are much higher than those expected from water exchange and can only be explained by a strong internal conjugate base effect. In the limiting case, however, this is equivalent to the second possible explanation, which assumes MOH⁺ and HDACODA^? as reactive species. The dissociation rate is given by v_d = (k^ML + k [H⁺]) · [M(DACODA)].     

Formation of· CH2CH2CO + and C2H6+· in the metastable decompositions of ionized ethyl formate

The products of the metastable decompositions of ionized ethyl formate (a) are characterized. The loss of water from a produces ^·CH₂CH₂CO⁺, a rarely reported product. Loss of H appears to produce CH₂=CHC(OH). The third decomposition is an unusual formation of C₂H. This work demonstrates that a previous supposition that isomerization to different intermediates is involved in the losses of ethene and of water from a is correct.     

Zum Mechanismus der Photoreduktion von Wasser mit Ruthenium-trisbipyrazil als Sensibilisator

On the Mechanism of the Photoreduction of Water with Ruthenium-trisbipyrazil as Sensitizer Oxidative and reductive primary steps can be differentiated in using Ru(bipy) and Ru(bipz), respectively, as sensitizers in a photochemically induced, Pt-catalyzed sacrificial water reduction. Experimental evidence for the reductive primary step and kinetic data are given for the electron transfer to methylviologen as relay compound.     

Molecular Ions of Transient Species: Vinyl-Alcohol Cation

Vinyl alcohol 1 was prepared by thermolysis of cyclobutanol and its photoelectron spectrum was determined. I = 9.18 eV and I = 9.52 eV were found, the vibrations progression (? = 1400 cm^?1) for this lowest energy transition 1(X)→1⁺(X?) indicating significant skeletal changes in the ion. The question of the relative stability of the syn ( 1 )- vs. anti-ions ( 1 ) is discussed in the light of theoretical calculations. The energy of the second π-state of 1 ⁺ is estimated at 13.6–14.1 eV above the ground state of 1 .     

Comparison of the kinetics of cathodic H2 evolution from the unhydrated H3O+ ion and its hydrated form H9O: Frequency factor effects and modes of activation

Experiments are described in which the kinetics of cathodic hydrogen evolution from the unhydrated H₃O⁺ ion in pure CF₃SO H₃O⁺ are compared with those from an aqueous solution of CF₃SO₃H where the proton is mainly in a fully hydrated state as H₉O. From the acid hydrate, which exists mainly as the ionic compound CF₃SOH₃O⁺, rates of H₂ evolution at Ni, Pt, and Hg electrodes, measured at a given overpotential or expressed as exchange current densities, are between about 3.5 and 20 times slower than those from the same electrolyte in dilute (1.0M) aqueous solution. Allowing for the concentration differences in these two types of system and double-layer effects, the rate constants are between about 9.4 and 216 times smaller for the reaction from H₃O⁺ than from H₉O at the above electrodes. The evaluation of apparent heats of activation for H₂ evolution from the two types of proton sources allows ratios of real frequency factors to be calculated for discharge from H₃O⁺ and H₉O. These data have a bearing on the theoretical conclusions regarding proton discharge mechanisms and show that frequency factor effects can be as important as activation energy differences in determining the rates of proton discharge from different proton sources. The results are discussed in terms of current ideas about electron and proton transfer in electrochemical reactions, the state of hydration of H⁺, and the role of discharge from paired CF₃SO and H₃O⁺ ions. In particular, the molecular mechanics of discharge of the proton from the molecular ion H₃O⁺ can be different from that from the fully hydrated H⁺ ion where many more HO- vibrational and librational modes can be involved in the process of activation of the H₉O entity.     

Linear and nonlinear feature of electronic excitation energy in carbon chains HC2n+1H and HC2nH

Density functional theory has been used to investigate the geometries, bonding, and vibrational frequencies of HC_2nH (n = 1–13) and HC_2n+1H (n = 2–12). Vertical excitation energies for the X¹Σ → 1¹Σ transition of HC_2nH (n = 1–5) and for the X³Σ → 1³Σ transition of HC_2n+1H (n = 2–5) have been calculated by the time‐dependent density functional theory and ab initio second‐order multiconfiguration perturbation method, respectively. On the basis of the present calculations, explicit expressions for the size dependence of excitation energy in linear polyynes HC_2n+1H and HC_2n+1H are suggested. Such analytical λ ? n relationships show good agreement with experimental observations. Theoretical investigations of relevant excited states demonstrate that distinct linear and nonlinear spectroscopic features in such polyynes can be ascribed to similarity and difference in bonding between the ground and excited states in HC_2n+1H and HC_2nH. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004     

Visible light induced free radical promoted cationic polymerization using thioxanthone derivatives

The free radical promoted cationic polymerization cyclohexene oxide (CHO), was achieved by visible light irradiation (λ_inc = 430–490 nm) of methylene chloride solutions containing thioxanthone‐fluorene carboxylic acid (TX‐FLCOOH) or thioxanthone‐carbazole (TX‐C) and cationic salts, such as diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate (Ph₂I⁺PF) or silver hexafluorophosphate (Ag⁺PF) in the presence of hydrogen donors. A feasible initiation mechanism involves the photogeneration of ketyl radicals by hydrogen abstraction in the first step. Subsequent oxidation of ketyl radicals by the oxidizing salts yields Bronsted acids capable of initiating the polymerization of CHO. In agreement with the proposed mechanism, the polymerization was completely inhibited by 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyl‐1‐oxy and di‐2,6‐di‐tert‐butylpyridine as radical and acid scavengers, respectively. Additionally polymerization efficiency was directly related to the reduction potential of the cationic salts, that is, Ag⁺PF (E = +0.8 V) was found to be more efficient than Ph₂I⁺PF (E = ?0.2 V). In addition to CHO, vinyl monomers such as isobutyl vinyl ether and N‐vinyl carbazole, and a bisepoxide such as 3,4‐epoxycyclohexyl‐3′,4′‐epoxycyclohexene carboxylate, were polymerized in the presence of TX‐FLCOOH or TX‐C and iodonium salt with high efficiency. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011     

Molecular Recognition in Anion Coordination Chemistry. Structure,Binding Constants and Receptor-Substrate Complementarity of a Series of Anion Cryptates of a Macrobicyclic Receptor Molecule

The crystal structures of four anion cryptates [X^? ? BT -6H⁺] formed by the protonated macrobicyclic receptor BT -6H⁺ with F^?, Cl^?, Br^? and N have been determined. They provide a homogeneous series of anion coordination patterns with the same ligand. The small F^?-ion is tetracoordinated, while Cl^? and Br^? are bound in an octahedron of H-bonds. The non-complementarity between these spherical anions and the ellipsoïdal cavity of BT -6H⁺ is reflected in ligand distortions. Structural complementarity is achieved for the linear triatomic substrate N, which is bound by two pyramidal arrays of three H-bonds, each interacting with a terminal N-atom of N. The formation constants of the complexes formed by BT -6H⁺ with a variety of anions (halides, N, NO, carboxylates, SO, HPO, AMP^2?, ADP^3?, ATP^4?, P₂O) have been determined. Very strong complexations are found, as well as marked electrostatic and structural effects on stability and selectivity; in particular the binding of F^?, Cl^?, Br^?, and N may be analyzed in terms of the crystal structure data. The cryptand BT -6H⁺ is a molecular receptor containing an ellipsoïdal recognition site for linear triatomic substrates of size compatible with the size of the molecular cacity. Further developments of various aspects of anion coordination chemistry are considered.     

Hydrogen Generation by Visible Light Irradiation of Aqueous Solutions of Metal Complexes. An approach to the photochemical conversion and storage of solar energy

We describe a photochemical system for the generation of hydrogen by water reduction under visible light or sunlight irradiation of aqueous solutions containing the following components: a photosensitizer, the Ru (bipy) complex, for visible light absorption; a relay species, the Rh (bipy) complex, which mediates water reduction by intermediate storage of electrons via a reduced state; an electron donor, triethanolamine (TEOA) which provides the electrons for the reduction process and a redox catalyst, colloïdal platinum, which facilitates hydrogen formation. The conditions for efficient hydrogen production and the influence of the concentration of the components have been investigated; the metal complexes act as catalysts with high turnover numbers; excess bipyridine facilitates the reaction. The process contains two catalytic cycles: a ruthenium cycle and a rhodium cycle. The Ru cycle involves oxidative quenching of the *Ru(bipy) excited state by Rh(bipy) forming Ru(bipy) which is converted back to Ru(bipy) by oxidation of the electron donor TEOA, which is thus consumed. The Rh cycle comprises a complicated set of transformations of the initial Rh(bipy) complex. The reduced rhodium complex formed in the quenching process undergoes a series of transformations involving the Rh(bipy) complex and hydridorhodium-bipyridine species, from which hydrogen is generated by reaction with the protons of water. In view of the storage of two electrons in the reduced rhodium species, the process is formally a dielectronic water reduction. The properties and eventual participation of [Rh(III)(bipy)₂LL′]ⁿ⁺(L,L′ = H₂O, OH^?) species are investigated. It is concluded that at neutral pH in presence of excess bipyridine, the cycle involving regeneration of the Rh(bipy) complex is predominant. A number of experiments have been performed with modified systems. Hydrogen evolution is observed with other photosensitizers (like proflavin), other relay species (like Rh(dimethylbipy) or Co(II)-bipyridine complexes), other donor species, or in absence of the platinum catalyst. It also occurs in absence of photosensitizer by sunlight of UV. irradiation of Rh(bipy) or by visible light irradiation of iridium (III)-bibyridine complexes. These systems deserve further investigations. The present photochemical hydrogen generating system represents the reductive component of a complete water splitting process. Its role in solar energy conversion and in photochemical fuel production is discussed.