High-Power Carbon Dioxide Laser-Induced Reactions of Cyclohexane, Methylcyclohexane, Hexane, and Benzene

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/j100212a015

Static and dynamic experiments were conducted to study laser-induced reactions of cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, n-hexane, and benzene using a focused high-energy pulsed carbon dioxide (CO2) laser.The energy input and the sample vapor pressure were varied from 100 mJ to 1.5 J and from 5 to 50 torr, respectively.Two distinct regimes characterized by a faint and a bright luminescence were observed.Acetylene and ethylene were the major products in both reaction regimes.In the bright luminescence region where the maximum decomposition efficiency was obtained, results indicated that high concentrations of C2 radicals and electronically excited hydrogen atoms were present.These latter results are consistent with a dielectric breakdown of the sample, under the high-power conditions utilized.