Multielectron photochemistry of quadruply bonded metal-metal complexes

The structural, electronic, and oxidation-reduction properties of multiply bonded metal-metal ({A figure is presented}) dimers presage a rich excited state chemistry for these complexes. Our work has emphasized photochemical pathways that utilize ({A figure is presented}) dimers to promote overall multielectron transformations. Multielectron photochemistry can only be achieved by correctly manipulating the molecular and electronic structures of these dimers such that one-electron pathways are circumvented. We now present a summary of the strategy used for the rational design of ({A figure is presented}) multielectron photochemical schemes.