Solvation effects on the iodoform ultraviolet direct photodissociation reaction: opening the photoisomerization channel

We present transient resonance Raman spectra that demonstrate that the iso-iodoform photoproduct is mainly associated with the ∼400 nm transient absorption band observed following excitation of iodoform in the solution phase. Comparison of our present results with previously reported gas-phase experiments and results for the closely related diiodomethane molecular system suggests that solvation gives rise to noticeable formation of the iso-iodoform photoproduct by some recombination of the initially formed CHI2 and I photofragments within a solvent cage.