Abstract: In this paper,the quantum yield of 9,10-dicyanoanthracene sensitized photoreduction of methyl viologen was measured.Amines,olefins and substituted benzenes were used as electron donor.Reaction conditions of splitting water to generate molecular hydrogen were discussed.The reaction was studied with toluene and p-xylene’as donors.A wide range of electron donor compounds can be used and some useful compounds may be synthesized simutaneously with hydrogen generation.

Key words: 9,10-dicyanoanthracene (DCA), split water to generate molecular hydrogen