Rydberg states in chemistry

AbstractThe excited states of molecules can be divided into three categories: valence‐shell, Rydberg, and intermediate. Reasons are given why this classification is important for photochemistry. The photolytic primary steps should be different for excited states falling into these different categories. Rydberg states should be taken into account when the photochemical reaction path is interpreted in terms of orbital symmetry conservation or diradical intermediates. They might play a role in certain photobiological events.