2a-N(2) in a 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MTHF) matrix at 77 K gave ESR signals ascribable to triplet carbenes ((3)2a). UV/vis spectra of (3)2a were obtained by irradiating 2a-N(2) under identical conditions. However, laser flash photolysis (LFP) of 2a-N(2) in degassed benzene at room temperature showed transient absorption bands completely different from those observed in photolysis in the 2-MTHF matrix