Photochemistry: An Introduction covers topics such as industrial photochemistry, solid state photochemistry, spectroscopy and photochemistry of the solid state, industrial applications of photochemistry, and photochromism. The book discusses the application of bonding, structure, energetics, and reactivity of the ground states of molecules to describe the same properties for molecules in their electronically excited states; the electronic spectra of excited states; and how the excited states react to form chemical transients. The text also describes light sources, techniques for measuring light intensities and quantum yields, methods used to detect transient photochemical products, and some ancilliary techniques. A review of some features of typical photochemical processes conducted in the vapor state and a survey of the reactions of the urban atmosphere, are also considered. The book further tackles the mechanisms of organic photochemical reactions; the synthetic applications of organic photochemistry; and the photochemistry of the solid state. The text also looks into photochromism and the industrial applications of photochemistry. People involved in the field of photochemistry will find the book useful.

Most organic reactions have long been carried out in organic solvents without concern for their real necessity, reaction efficiency, and pollution problems. Very recently, we have found that most organic reactions can be carried out in the absence of a solvent, namely, in the solid state. In many cases, the solid-state reaction proceeds more easily and efficiently, and even more selectively than solution reaction. This shows that molecules move easily and selectively in the solid state. This finding changed the classical idea which suggests "molecules do not move and reactions do not occur in the solid state", and opened up a new research field for the study molecular dynamics in the solid state. The organic solid state reactions have many possibilities to be developed. For example, enantioselective reactions can easily be accomplished by carrying out the reaction in an inclusion complex crystal with an optically active host compound. Catalytic reactions also proceed in the solid state. Moreover, the solid-state reactions are more economical and ecologically sound. In the future, pollution-free synthetic procedures in the solid state will become increasingly important, not only in chemical industries but also in university laboratories.