Photochemical reactions of ammineruthenium(II) complexes

A survey is given of the photochemical reactions displayed by ruthenium(II) -amine complexes, except for polypyridyl complexes, and including contribut ions from this laboratory. The latest review on the subject dates from the early 1980s. Since then, several contributions have appeared in the literat ure which could be brought and discussed together, giving an updated and un ified view of the subject. Spectra and the nature of the excited states rel evant for the discussion are described. Reactions will be discussed by type of reaction and of complexes. The reactions will mainly focus on photosubs titution. but will also include quenched and sensitized reactions, as well as eventual photooxidation reactions. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All ri ghts reserved.