The Photochemistry and Photophysics of M(CO)5 (M= Fe,
Ru, Os)
Nicholas Leadbeater
Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW. United
Kingdom
Abstract
This article will report recent findings on the photochemistry and photophysics
of the group 8 mononuclear carbonyl complexes M(CO)5 (M= Fe, Ru,
Os). Attention will be focused on the photochemical substitution of a carbonyl
group in M(CO)5 by other two electron donor ligands and the use of
this in generating novel organometallic complexes. The mechanism for this
substitution will also be discussed. Some of the complexes have been shown in
previous investigations to be key intermediates in the catalytic hydrogenation
of alkenes and so as an additional area of study, catalytic pathways will be
forwarded for these processes.
