Flash spectroscopy with mercury resonance radiation. Part 2.—Role of HgH in Hg(63P1) sensitized reactions

Abstract

HgH and HgD were detected in absorption in the mercury flash-photosensitized reactions of Hg(³P₁) and Hg(³P₀) with H₂ and D₂. By comparing the transient decrease of the vapour pressure of mercury in a flashed mixture of Hg and H₂ with that in a mixture of Hg and N₂, approximate quantum yields for mercury hydride formation were measured. HgH was also detected in a flashed mixture of Hg and C₂H₂. Mercury hydride was not detected in the quenching of Hg(³P₁) by saturated hydrocarbons, HCN, NH₃, H₂O, HCl, HBr and H₂S.