Photoexcitations in halogen-doped and undoped xenon matrices

Upon photolysis in a bromine-doped xenon matrix with lambda = 254 nm propan e (3) can be fragmented despite the fact that 3 does not absorb light of th is wavelength. A mechanistic model is developed, which can explain this typ e of indirect photoexcitation. In addition, the behavior of propane (3) in a pure xenon matrix on irradiation with a laser and a mercury lamp is repel -red. The saturated hydrocarbon 3 is not photostable under these experiment al conditions, and the corresponding mechanisms leading to its fragmentatio n are discussed.