CR(III) PHOTOSUBSTITUTION WITHOUT STEREOCHEMICAL CHANGE - PHOTOAQUATION OF TRANS-DICYANOTETRAM(M)INE COMPLEXES

Trans-[Cr(tet)(CN)2](ClO4) (tet = N,N'-bis(2-aminoethyl)-1,3-diaminopr opane) has been synthesized and characterized and its photoaquation st udied by proton uptake and cyanide release measurements. The molecule photoaquates one end of the tet ligand with a quantum yield of 0.09 +/ - 0.01. The geometric configuration of the photo-product was explored via its UV-vis spectrum and by observations of its re-coordination to the starting complex. The results indicate that the stereoretained pho toproduct is formed, and therefore the photoreaction occurs in a stere oretentive manner.