Photolysis of cycloheptanon

Abstract

The photochemical decomposition of cycloheptanone has been studied in the gas phase as a function of pressure, temperature and wavelength. The major products are carbon monoxide, hex-1-ene, cyclohexane and hept-6-enal. Quantum yields of the hydrocarbons and aldehyde were determined at 313 nm and 100°C over a range of ketone pressures. The results indicate that the hydrocarbons have a common precursor and that they are produced by a higher energy pathway than the aldehyde. A mechanism involving a triplet state intermediate is suggested.