THE MERCURY PHOTOSENSITIZED REACTIONS OF BENZENE AT HIGH TEMPERATURES

Abstract

An investigation has been made of the mercury photosensitized decomposition of benzene at high temperatures. Practically no reaction occurs at room temperature. At higher temperatures the main product is diphenyl although even at 400°C. the maximum value of [Formula: see text] is 0.1. Ediphenyl has been found to be 13 kcal. mole−1. There is evidence that an activated molecule mechanism occurs. The secondary reactions are complex and it is not possible to arrive at a detailed mechanism, but the probable main reaction steps have been pointed out.