The infrared multiphoton dissociation of hexafluoroethane

Abstract

The infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) of "neat" hexafluoroethane has been investigated for the first time. The stable products of photolysis are CF4, C2F4, C3F8, and C4F10. Product analysis involved tunable diode laser (TDL) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, as well as gas chromatography where applicable. The high sensitivity and resolution of the TDL allows for measurement of the stable products CF4 and C2F4 after irradiation by a single infrared laser pulse. The yield of CF3 radicals produced by the IRMPD of C2F6 as a function of fluence was measured via the TDL high frequency modulation technique. The role of added H2, leading to elimination of CF4 and increase of C2F4 as products, is clarified.