Hg(3P1) photosensitized decomposition of 2,5-dihydrofuran

Abstract

The mercury photosensitized decomposition of 2,5-dihydrofuran was studied in the vapor phase at 25 ± 2 °C. Major products are carbon monoxide, propene, and hydrogen, while biallyl, allene, methylacetylene, furan, 2,3-dihydrofuran, tetrahydrofuran, and small amounts of three unidentified products are also produced. The quantum yields of all products are decreased by increasing substrate pressure, indicating collisional deactivation of an excited state precursor which, at low pressures, decomposes according to the scheme [Formula: see text]The product P is not furan and its possible identity is discussed. The free radical component of the reaction was further studied by carrying out the reaction in the presence of nitric oxide. The results are consistent with the above processes.