Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
A study of the UV photochemistry of organometallic molecules in the vapor and adsorbed phases is discussed. The gas-phase spectra is interpreted on the basis of molecular orbital theory and experimental data. The absorption spectra of the surface adlayers are determined by computer subtraction of the gas-phase spectra and an intepretation is provided. The influence of metalsubstrate microstructure on UV photochemical reactions of metal alkyls is briefly discussed.