The excited state lifetime of T-shaped complex 1a is about twofold longer than for α-diimine complex 3 based on the time constants of 6.4 and 3.1 ps, respectively, determined from TA analyses in CDCl3. Measurements taken in less polar solvent (benzene) yielded time constants of 14 ps for 1a and 3.9 ps for 3 (Figure , Figure respectively). There are no significant differences in the absorption spectra for either complex in CDCl3 compared to C6H6 (Figure ). The higher sensitivity of the excited state lifetime of 1a to solvent polarity could reflect significant charge separation between the ground and excited state, which would be consistent with the substantial charge transfer suggested by difference density isosurface calculations for this complex (vide supra).