CO2 laser initiated decomposition of ethyl chloride

Abstract

The decomposition of ethyl chloride (EtCl) has been studied at pressures in the range 0.2–100 torr in a CO₂ laser beam (105–160 W cw) in order to evaluate the processes occurring in such a system. Selective excitation of the EtCl would lead to the observed CH₄ production, but it is shown that ``proof'' of such a process is not readily attainable despite the well‐characterized thermal decomposition of EtCl in contrast with systems previously supposed to decompose selectively. The important effects of slight laser power irreproducibilities, induction periods and the high ``temperatures'' produced are discussed.