Photosensitization by Cd 3P1 atoms. I. Decomposition of acetone

Abstract

The photodecomposition of acetone vapor at 255 °C sensitized by Cd 3P1 atoms has been investigated. On irradiation of the Cd–acetone system at 3261 Å, both direct and sensitized reaction occur. CO and CH4 are the only significant volatile products, and their yield is decreased by addition of SF6 as inert quenching gas. The required participation of triplet acetone molecules in the sensitized reaction and the virtual identity of the direct and sensitized decompositions provide additional evidence for the importance of this excited species in direct photolysis.