A flash photolytic study of the benzyl and α-chlorobenzyl radicals

Abstract

The 1²B₂→ 3²B₂ transition in the absorption spectrum of the benzyl radical has been recorded in the gas phase together with a new band at shorter wavelengths, probably the first Rydberg band of the radical. The spectrum of the α-chlorobenzyl radical in the gas phase has also been observed for the first time.

The photolysis flash was of short duration and it was possible to follow the kinetics of the radicals' decay, which occurred predominantly by bimolecular recombination.