FORMATION OF HHGC2H5 IN THE HG-SENSITIZED PHOTOLYSIS OF H-2 C2H4 MIXTURES/

In the Hg-sensitized photolysis of H-2 in the presence of C2H4 the sen sitizer Hg is consumed under formation of a metastable compound. The r ate of formation and the steady-state concentration of this compound h ave been studied as a function of Hg, H-2, and C2H4 concentration, abs orbed light intensity, temperature, and in the presence of radical sca vengers. All these experiments ask for the participation of HgH and C2 H5 in the formation of the Hg compound. We therefore suggest that thes e two radicals combine under formation of HHgC2H5. Further support com es from two color photolysis experiments where HgH and C2H5 radicals h ave been generated independently. HHgC2H5 decomposes under 206 nm irra diation and much slower in the dark. It is also very easily attacked b y radicals.