The photochemistry of (mu(2)-RC2H)Co-2(CO)(6) species (R = H or C6H5), important intermediates in the Pauson-Khand reaction

The photochemistry of (mu(2)-RC2H)Co-2(CO)(6) (R = H or C6H5) has been inve stigated by both time-resolved and steady-state techniques. Pulsed excitati on in cyclohexane solution with lambda(exc) = 355 nm causes Go-Co bond homo lysis while photolysis at lambda(exc) = 532 nm results in CO loss. Steady-s tate photolysis (lambda(exc) > 500 nm) in the presence of suitable trapping ligands (L) produced the monosubstituted complexes (mu(2)-RC2H)Co-2(CO)(5) (L) (L = C5H5N or PPh3) in high yields. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.