Photoinduced Dynamics of Carbonyl Compounds: Direct Visualization of Diradical Intermediates by Ultrafast X-ray Transient Absorption Spectroscopy

• Applicant: Dr. Kuntal Chatterjee
• Subject Area: Physical Chemistry of Molecules, Liquids and Interfaces, Biophysical Chemistry
• Term: from 2021 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 457346698

In this project we propose to explore the photochemistry of straight-chain and cyclic carbonyl compounds by ultrafast X-ray transient absorption spectroscopy. The photoexcitation produces unstable, ephemeral diradical intermediates, which subsequently undergo fragmentation and/or cyclization. We will investigate their geometries, lifetimes, electronic structures, spin states, and the effects of the surrounding environment on these properties by time-resolved spectroscopy in the soft X-ray range produced by high harmonic generation for the first time. The results will provide unprecedented insights into the photodynamics of carbonyls, which have substantial implications in atmospheric chemistry and physics.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: USA
• Participating Institution: University of California, Berkeley ; Department of Chemistry
• Host: Professor Dr. Stephen Leone