MERCURY PHOTOSENSITIZED DECOMPOSITION OF ETHYLENE OXIDE

Abstract

Some aspects of the mercury photosensitized decomposition of ethylene oxide at room temperature have been reinvestigated. At least two, and probably more than two, distinct primary steps occur. The previously assumed major primary formation of hydrogen by a molecular process is shown to occur to a relatively small extent only. Hydrogen atoms play an important role in the process, as well as the following radicals: CH₃, CHO, CH₂CHO, and C₂H₅, and probably to a lesser extent also CH₂. The products formed are CO, H₂, C₂H₆, a little CH₂CO and C₂H₄, and large amounts of aldehydes. The presence of higher aldehydes has been demonstrated. While there is a general similarity to the other modes of decomposition of ethylene oxide, a unique and unambiguous solution of the complete reaction mechanism is at present not possible.