The Photochemical Decomposition of Benzene

Abstract

Under intense ultraviolet illumination with an A-H6 mercury arc, benzene solutions in rigid glass at liquid air temperatures are decomposed. If the solvent molecules contain hydrogen, hexatriene is formed (almost certainly identified by absorption spectrum and chemical behavior). In a solvent (perfluoro−2-methyl pentane) containing no hydrogen, the benzene decomposes to an entirely different product, not as yet certainly identified.