Photolysis of Cycloheptanon

Abstract

The photochemical decomposition of cyclohcptanonc lias been studied in the gas phase as a function of pressure, temperature and wavelength. The major products arc carbon monoxide, hcx-l-cnc, cyclohexane and hcpt-6-enal. Quantum yields of the hydrocarbons and aldehyde were determined at 313 nm and 100'C over a range of ketone pressures. The results indicate that the hydrocarbons have a common precursor and that they arc produced by a higher energy pathway than the aldehyde. A mechanism involving a triplet state intermediate is suggested.