This talk will present some of the studies caried out using single crystal photocrystallography. Therefore, an introduction to this technique will be presented and the characteristics of synchrotron facilities that allow these studies to be carried out as well as some of the first studies reported in the literature of the use of photocrystallography. This taljkwill focus mainly on the studies carried out of the photochemical activation of coordination compounds which leads to the formation of linkage isomers. Since the particular technique for each case depends on the lifetime of the excited species; different possibilities will be presented. The main objective of these studies has been the structural characterization of meta-stable complexes formed by the molecules upon radiation at a given wavelength. The experimental method used will be described. A brief discussion on the characteristics of the complexes necessary for these studies will also be presented.

B. Sc. In chemistry and M. Sc. In inorganic chemistry; both from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Ph. D. in Chemistry from Cambridge University in the United Kingdom. Researcher at the Chemistry Instituteca, UNAM for 8 years. Since 1991, researcher at the Chemistry Department of Centre for Research and Advanced Studies where she has been Academic Coordinater and Head of the Chemistry Department. Over 20 B. Sc., M. Sc. And Ph. D. students have carried out their final projects and tesis under her direction. She is a Member of te National System of Researchers foro ver 30 years and member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences and at present, she is a member of the directive council of this Academy. Member of several editorial committees. Part of diverse Evaluation Committees at Conacyt, UNAM and other institutions.