Novel ultraviolet product spectra in the photolysis of chlorine dioxide

Abstract

U.v. absorption spectra have been recorded during the low-intensity photolysis of chlorine dioxide, OClO, using a diode-array spectrometer. A broad-band u.v. spectrum was observed which was favoured by low temperature and high OClO pressure. The absorption could be explained only in part by the presence of ClO dimer, Cl₂O₂. Unequivocal assignment of the residual spectrum was not possible but it may be due to the chlorine perchlorate molecule, ClOClO₃, a recently discovered product of OClO photolysis.