The activation of chemical bonds in molecules on photochemically produced RhI sites is reviewed in this
article. The focus is primarily on the RhI(CO) species generated during the ultraviolet photolysis of the
well-known RhI(CO)2 species supported on an aluminum oxide surface (designated RhI(CO)2/Al2O3). The
RhI(CO)2 surface species is the heterogeneous analogue of the homogeneous phase CpRh(CO)2 and Cp*Rh(CO)2 (Cp* = η5-C5(CH3)5; Cp = η5-C5H5) known for its ability to activate the C−H bond in alkanes during
ultraviolet irradiation. Here we review some of the key studies that have led to the molecular understanding
of the activation of the RhI(CO)2/Al2O3 species by photochemical methods. Relevant examples of the
homogeneous-phase bond activation studies utilizing a rhodium center will be discussed as well as theoretical
studies that have provided valuable information regarding the active nature of the photoproduced Rh site.
This will be followed by a review of recent photochemical studies of surface-bound RhI(CO)2. The
coordinatively unsaturated RhI(CO) species produced photochemically can activate the C−H bond in C6H12
and CH4, the H−H bond in H2, the OO bond in O2, and the CO bond in CO2.