Infrared Multiple Photon Dissociation of Cyclobutanone

Abstract

Abstract The multiple photon dissociation of cyclobutanone was discussed on the basis of the observed relative significance of two reaction channels. Cyclobutanone was irradiated by a TEA CO2 laser beam of 9.6 μm R(14) line in a parallel and a focussed geometry. The detected products were ethylene, ketene, and cyclopropane under parallel geometry irradiation. Propylene and acetylene were also produced in focussed geometry irradiation. The kind of the products as well as the effects of reaction conditions on their yields led to the conclusion that the dissociation proceeds along two channels, in one of which ethylene and ketene are produced and in the other cyclopropane and CO. The experimental results agreed almost with the result simulated by a statistical model calculation based on the hypothesis that the energy absorbed in cyclobutanone molecules is statistically distributed among all vibrational degrees-of-freedom.