Photolysis of ethyne in solid neon and synthesis of long-chain carbon clusters with vacuum-ultraviolet light

Abstract

The absorption spectrum of ethyne, C2H2, in solid Ar was measured in the wavelength region 107-220 nm with light from a synchrotron. Based on that absorption, irradiation of samples of ethyne dispersed in neon with vacuumultraviolet (VUV) radiation yielded various products that were identified through their infrared absorption spectra including Cn (n = 3-12), C2H, C2H3, C4H, C 4H2, C8H-, and C8H 2. The efficiency of photolysis of ethyne and the nature of photoproducts depend on the selected wavelength of VUV light. Information about the photodissociation of C2H2 with various photon energies and the formation and identification of large carbon clusters and hydrides at low temperature might be useful in photochemical models to simulate the composition of the atmosphere of Titan and as a source of aerosols. © 2010. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.