Upon laser photolysis of chlorophyll‐quinone solutions in ethanol, transients due to the chlorophyll triplet state (Ct), the chlorophyll cation radical (C+) and the semiquinone radical (Q‐) can be observed. The rise of Q‐ parallels the decay of Ct. demonstrating the precursor role of the triplet. The decay of C+ is second order, consistent with reverse electron transfer, and has a rate constant which is independent of quinone potential, and an activation energy of 14kJ/mol due mainly to the temperature dependence of solvent viscosity. Triplet quenching and C+ yield are found to decrease with decreasing quinone potential. Copyright © 1979, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved