The Hg(3P1) photosensitized decomposition of ethylenimine and ethylenimine-d4

Abstract

Quantum yields as a function of reaction time and substrate pressure (20–200 Torr) have been obtained for the products H2, C2H4, NH3, N2, CH4, and C2H6 (their relative importance decreases in that order). The isotopic composition of the hydrogen from the decomposition of ethylenimine-d4 (El-d4) supports preferential hydrogen-atom detachment from nitrogen. Since addition of substantial amounts of C2H4 did not affect the yield of NH3, the implication of the NH (triplet) in the Hg sensitized decomposition of El is questioned. It is also proposed that the products investigated originate from the degradation of an excited El.