A spectroscopic method for monitoring photochemical reactions in the gas phase

Abstract

We have developed an infrared spectroscopic method for monitoring photochemical reactions in the gas phase. This method is based on the major components such as repetitive scan FT-IR spectrometer, multi-pass long-path gas cell, and Nd:YAG laser (ns). The FT-IR spectrometer was used as it is. The gas cell was further modified for the photolysis of the precursor. The vacuum line was designed and constructed solely in our laboratory. We make optical arrangements for both separation of fourth-harmonics (266 nm) from the fundamental (1064 nm) of Nd:YAG laser as well as to guide the UV light to the gas cell housed in the sample compartment of FT-IR. A special arrangement was done in order to get a multi-pass of UV light across the gas cell so that photolysis efficiency will increase significantly. We estimate the photolysis efficiency based on laser power, optical path-length of the laser light, vapor pressure of the precursor, and its absorption cross-section. Furthermore, we have done quantitative analysis for the precursor and photo-products using infrared absorbance and optical path length. This method is tested and validated by monitoring the photodegradation pathways of halobenzenes in the UV light.•Repetitive scan FT-IR spectrometer coupled with a multi-pass long-path gas cell and Nd:YAG laser.•Estimate photolysis efficiency of precursor and concentration of photoproducts.•Monitoring gaseous phase photochemical reactions up-to 100 of ms with spectral resolution 2 cm−1 is possible with this system.