Photoinduced single electron transfer activation of organophosphines: Nucleophilic trapping of phosphine radical cation

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(01)96916-9

Photophysical studies show that organophosphines (1-4) form charge transfer stabilized exciplex with excited singlet ¹DCN*. One electron oxidation of phosphines to corresponding radical cation via phosphine... ¹DCN* electron donor, acceptor pair dissociation is reported. Phosphine radical cations are lound to react readily with moisture to give phosphine oxides.