Photolysis of monochlorobenzene in gas phase

Abstract

Monochlorobenzene vapor has been photolyzed in the presence of ethane at 184.9, 206.2, 228.8, and 253.7 nm. The products benzene, ethylene, and n-butane were detected. Quantum yields were found to be dependent on the excitation wavelength, while they were independent of the pressure of ethane above 30 torr. The possible reaction mechanism is discussed and the decomposition rate of the C–Cl bond in the molecule is estimated.