Effects of High Pressure on the Near Ultraviolet Absorption Spectra of Benzene and Monosubstituted Benzenes

Abstract

The near ultraviolet absorption spectra of benzene and several monosubstituted benzenes have been obtained in the vapor phase with partial pressures of nitrogen to 550 atmos and in hydrocarbon solution with pressures up to 5500 atmos. The spectra broaden asymmetrically and shift to longer wavelengths under pressure. The wavelength varies linearly with dielectric constant, both in the vapor phase and in solution, Δλ/ΔK lying between 20 and 29 A. A rough correlation is found between Δλ/ΔK and the oscillator strength of the transition.