On the Lifetime of the Lower Triplet States of Benzene

Abstract

Transition probabilities and selection rules are calculated for the lower triplet-singlet transitions of benzene. The relativistic spin-orbit coupling term combines the triplet state with an intermediate singlet state, and then dipole transition to the ground state occurs. The selection rules are deduced group-theoretically, and the transition probabilities are calculated using the LCAO one-electron approximation. The effect of vibration is discussed. The theoretical results obtained agree with Shull's and McClure's experimental results.