SENSITIZED PHOTOOXIDATION OF N-HEXADECANE IN SEA-WATER - IDENTIFICATION OF NONACIDIC PHOTOPRODUCTS

n-Hexadecane was photooxidized in purified and sterilized natural sea water under simulated environmental conditions with anthraquinone as s ensitizer. Production of all the isomers of hexadecanones and hexadeca nols was proved by GC and GC-MS. Other photoproducts were detected by GC, GC-MS and GC-FTIR as methyl ketones, n-aldehydes, 3-substituted ga mma-lactones, 2,5-diketones, 1-alkenes and alkanes. Mechanisms are pro posed and discussed.