PHOTOLYSIS OF KETENE . MECHANISM OF HYDROGEN PRODUCTION AND REACTION OF METHYLENE WITH METHANE

The photolysis of ketene has been investigated at photon energies from 3.96 (3130 Å) to 8.43 eV (1470 Å). Hydrogen is produced at all wavelengths. Based upon the photolysis of CD2CO-CH2CO mixtures the reaction CH2CO → H2 + C2O is suggested as a primary process. The sequence of reactions 1 and 2 has also been examined. CH2 + CH4 → C2H6* (1) C2H6* → H2 + C2H4 (2) It is concluded that of the decomposition paths available to C2H6* fewer than 6% proceed via reaction 2 over a wide energy range. The significance of this finding with respect to the photodecomposition of methane is discussed.