The scope of this paper is to recall fundamental notions of the molecular spectroscopy and dynamics, necessary for discussion of photophysical and photochemical processes in condensed phases. We will thus treat in a more detailed way the specific features which are important for molecular systems strongly interacting with their environment. Other aspects such as the time evolution of isolated molecules, single-level excitation and state-to-state chemistry, important for the gas-phase photophysics are omitted. We start (Sec.2) with a brief description of radiative processes (light absorption and emission) in molecules. In the quantum-mechanical treatment of this problem, the appropriate basis is that of so-called zero-order states, corresponding to the traditional scheme of electronic states (singlets, doublets, triplets etc.) and vibrational levels belonging to each state. The important point will be deduction of selection rules for most radiative transitions. At this stage all molecular states are considered as stationary states. In order to treat the breakdown of simple selection rules and non-radiative transitions between individual molecular states, it is necessary to take into account the mechanisms coupling the zero-order states (Sec.3). We will first focus on intramolecular coupling effects and then discuss the solvent effects on intramolecular relaxation processes. The problem of the non-radiative transfer of the electronic energy between different molecules - closely related to that of the energy dissipation within a single molecule will be treated in Sec.4.

Electron transfer reactions are of great importance to nearly every subdiscipline of chemistry. The simple transfer of a single electron has been shown repeatedly to be a common activating mode for organic, inorganic, and biological molecules, and the very ubiquity of such reactions has guaranteed that their investigation would involve the most fundamental questions of modern chemistry. The fact that photoexcitation induces enhanced redox reactivity via electron transfer also provides a convenient method for experimentally testing theoretical predictions regarding structural and energetic effects. As can be seen from the very size of this work there is a great deal known about photoinduced electron transfer reactions and the editors have tried to capture the diversity and excitement inherent in this broad field. The reader will find contributions from theorists and experimentalists, from organic and inorganic chemists, from the perspective of the synthetic and mechanistic viewpoint. Some contributions are fundamental basic research, while others clearly show practical applications of these principles.These volumes are intended to serve a joint purpose: as a reference resource and an introductory overview to the diverse research accomplished via photoexcitation of electron donor-acceptor systems. The information is organized in four parts. The first deals with the theoretical and conceptual factors which influence electron transfer. The second covers experimental methodology and medium effects. The third and fourth deal with reactivity, with most organic transformation being addressed in Part C and most inorganic reactions covered in Part D. Each part thus provides an overview of typical reactions observed for these classes of compounds. Part D also provides examples of photoinduced electron transfer in current use in important applications. There is of course a significant interdependence between the four parts. Subject, chemical, and author citation indices appear at the end of each of Parts A, B and C, and comprehensive indices are included in Part D.

Filling the gap in the market for comprehensive coverage of this hot topic, this timely book covers a wide range of organic transformations, e. g. reductions of unsaturated compounds, oxidation reactions, Friedel-Crafts reactions, hydroamination reactions, depolymerizations, transformations of carbon dioxide, oxidative coupling reactions, as well as C-C, C-N, and C-O bond formation reactions. A chapter on the application of zinc catalysts in total synthesis is also included. With its aim of stimulating further research and discussion in the field, this is a valuable reference for professionals in academia and industry wishing to learn about the latest developments.