Matrix-isolation studies by electronic spectroscopy of group IIIA metal–water photochemistry

Abstract

This paper reports an investigation of the electronic structures of the Group IIIA metal atom hydration reaction intermediates (M⋯OH₂adducts) and their subsequent photolysis products (HMOH, MOH and MO) where M = Al, Ga and In. The metal–water interaction in the adduct is sufficiently strong to perturb the electronic structure of the metal atom; consequently, one observes a unique band structure for the adduct that is red shifted from the metal's atomic resonance transition. Molecular orbital and electronic state-to-state correlations are presented.