Wavelength-dependent photochemistry of W(CO)4(en) (en = ethylenediamine): evidence for distinct chemical reactivities from singlet and triplet ligand field excited states

Wavelength-dependent photochemistry of W(CO)4(ethylenediamine) was analyzed through a substitution reaction designed to replace the CO group with a ligand. Results of the substitution reaction analysis indicate that the quantum yield of the substituted tungsten ethylenediamine is determined by the excitation wavelength. This indicate that photosubstitution in the ligand field is achieved through a different photophysical pathway and that this reduces the efficiency of the photoreaction.