Flash photolysis of cyanogen azide, NCN3

Abstract

The processes occurring during the vapour-phase flash photolysis of cyanogen azide have been studied. Several new gas-phase band systems have been observed and evidence obtained to support their assignments is presented. Two of the systems are assigned as ¹Δ_uâ†� a¹Δ_g and ³Σ^–_uâ†�X³Σ^–_g of NCN and one of the other two to HNCN. Kinetic measurements have also been made which showed that in the presence of an inert gas cyanogen azide is re-formed. The ³Σ^–_uâ†�X³Σ^–_g transition of NCN is diffuse indicating that these bands are responsible for the production of carbon atoms during photolytic reactions in previous matrix isolation studies.