Light induced reactions in cryogenic matrices (highlights 2015–2016)

This chapter reviews investigations on light induced reactions in cryogenic matrices that were reported in 2015 and 2016. Conformational isomerizations and tautomerizations as well as other types of structural isomerizations triggered by ultraviolet/visible or infrared irradiation of matrix-isolated organic compounds are discussed. Light-initiated fragmentation processes taking place in cryomatrices are also considered. The studies herein highlighted exemplify recent applications of the matrix isolation technique in these fields of research. Photochemical processes involving direct participation of noble gas atoms, leading to the formation of covalently bound noble gas compounds, are also addressed in short.