Primary photophysical and photochemical processes for hexachloroosmate(IV) in aqueous solution

The photoaquation of the OsIVCl62- complex was studied by means of stationary photolysis, nanosecond laser flash photolysis and ultrafast kinetic spectroscopy. The OsIVCl5(OH)2- complex was found to be the only reaction product. The quantum yield of photoaquation is rather low and wavelength-dependent. No impact of redox processes on photoaquation was revealed. The total characteristic lifetime of the process is about 80 ps. Three intermediates were recorded in the femto- and picosecond time domains and assigned to different Os(iv) species. The nature of intermediates and possible mechanisms of photoaquation are discussed.