Electron impact spectroscopy of some simple nitriles

Abstract

The electronic absorption spectra of acetonitrile, propionitrile and butyronitrile have been determined using the method of electron impact spectroscopy. Spectra are presented which were obtained at 70 eV impact energy and zero scattering angle. Results obtained at 90° scattering angle at lower impact energies are briefly mentioned. The spectra are interpreted in terms of excitations to valence excited states and Rydberg states. Three Rydberg series each are found for acetonitrile and propionitrile. A previously unreported absorption occurring at about 6 eV in each of the zero scattering angle spectra is tentatively assigned as a triplet excitation and one at about 8 eV in the 90° scattering angle spectra is assigned as a triplet excitation.