Ultrafast Spin-State Conversion in Solvated Transition Metal Complexes Probed with Femtosecond Soft X-Ray Spectroscopy

We report the first femtosecond soft X-ray spectroscopy of solvated transition-metal complexes: Structural dynamics mediate ultrafast spin-state conversion and symmetry-specific valence-charge localization. This study demonstrates the unique potential of ultrafast soft X-ray spectroscopy in solutions.