Photoinduced single electron transfer activation of organophosphines: Nucleophilic trapping of phosphine radical cation

Photophysical studies show that organophosphines (1-4) form charge transfer stabilized exciplex with excited singlet 1DCN*. One electron oxidation of phosphines to corresponding radical cation via phosphine… 1DCN* electron donor, acceptor pair dissociation is reported. Phosphine radical cations are lound to react readily with moisture to give phosphine oxides.