Photochemistry of (η5)-C5H5)Mn(CO)2[C(C6H5)2]. Generation of the diphenylcarbene radical anion

The electronic absorption spectrum of (η⁵-C₅H₅)Mn(CO)₂[C(C₆H₅)₂]shows an intense maximum which is assigned to a MLCT transition in which the empty p_π orbital on the carbene carbon is populated. Upon irradiation of this band, the complex undergoes a decomposition with a disappearance quantum yield Φ = 0.10 ± 0.01 independent of solvent. In the CT excited state, the complex can be roughly described as containing d⁵ Mn^II and a diphenylcarbene radical anion ligand C(C₆H₅)₂^?. Due to the kinetic lability, the complex decomposes producing a Mn^II species and the free carbene radical anion, which then undergoes secondary reactions. In addition, small amounts of substitution product are observed. It is proposed that prior to total decomposition of the excited state, a radical pair (η⁵-C₅H₅)Mn(CO)₂S⁺/C(C₆H₅)₂^?forms (S = solvent). A back electron transfer from C(C₆H₅)₂^?to the labile cation competes with decomposition to produce the substituted complex and free carbene.