Triplet energy transfer, collisional rates

Other possible solvent effects depend on the heavy-atom effect, which may favor intersystem crossing, and on the viscosity, which may change the rate of diffusion and hence the collisional triplet-triplet energy transfer. These effects have already been mentioned in previous sections. 

Absolute rate constants have been determined for aromatic triplet formation in acetone solutions of several aromatic compounds (5, 30). The formation curves were observed directly for anthracene and naphthalene triplet (5) and for diphenyl triplet. These rate curves were found to fit a first order rate law, and were interpreted as a bimolecular energy transfer process from a state of the solvent molecule which is probably the triplet, that is, by Reaction 11. These rate constants, as well as the triplet yields, are listed in Table VI. The rate constants for anthracene and naphthalene triplet formation appear to correspond to diffusion controlled rate constants. Two further points are of interest, which are in contrast with observations in other systems which will be discussed. In acetone, most of the yield of aromatic triplet (at concentrations of the aromatic compound of 5 X 10"3M or lower) is formed in diffusional processes such as collisional energy transfer. Any fast formation appears... 

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