The influence of an illuminated mercury surface on the Franck-Cario reactions

Abstract

It has been found that illumination of a mercury surface by ultraviolet light strong in the line λ=2536·7 Å., exerts a marked influence on the photochemical union of hydrogen andgases such as oxygen, ethylene, and carbon monoxide. The rate of reaction is proportional to the first order to the area of surface exposed.The formation of a mercuric oxide film has been shown to occur only in the presence of a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen, and alternative mechanisms for its formation are suggested.In the case of nitrogen-hydrogen mixtures, hydrazine and ammonia have been identified in the reaction products, and in the case of hydrogen and oxygen, hydrogen peroxide and water have been found, and it is suggested that the reactions proceed in steps.The catalytic efficiency of the surface depends on its cleanness and is cut down by poisons, such as the reaction products in the case of the combination of hydrogen and carbon monoxide.