Photochemistry and C-H bond activation reactivity of (HBPz*3)Rh(CO)2 (Pz* = 3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl) in hydrocarbon solution

Solution photochemistry of C-H bond activation reactivity of (HBPz*3)Rh(CO)2 (Pz* = 3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl) complex in hydrocarbon solution reveals that wavelength of light excitation influences the C-H bond activation process. Different reactivities are observed in the two electronically excited states of the complex. An eta 3 to eta 2 ligand dichelation mechanism accounts for the photoinertness of the lower energy level. C-H bond activation is high in the upper energy excited state, indicating CO dissociation as the first step in the oxidative addition mechanism.