Photolysis

Name:
Photolysis
Detailed information:
Decomposition of a compound into simpler units as a result of absorbing one or more quanta of radiation; examples are splitting of hydrogen iodide by the reaction 2HI + hν → H₂ + I₂; and of ketene (H₂C═CO) into CO and carbene (methylene) (═CH₂). Photodecomposition may also occur with aldehydes, ketones, azo compounds, and organometallic compounds. Continuous generation of hydrogen by photolysis of water has been achieved using platinum catalyst in conjunction with ruthenium and rhodium. Similarly, hydrogen can be split from H₂S by photolysis with cadmium sulfide as catalyst, aided by ruthenium dioxide.See Flash Photolysis; Photochemistry.