On the electronic spectroscopy of benzyl alcohol Original Research Article

Absolute VUV photoabsorption cross sections for benzyl alcohol have been measured for the first time between 5 and 11 eV using a synchrotron radiation source. Pseudo-optical EEL data have also been measured for comparison. The two sets of data are in excellent agreement. The electronic spectroscopy of benzyl alcohol was found to be dominated by the aromatic ring and was hence similar to that of benzene. Therefore, characterisation of the benzyl alcohol data is discussed with respect to the benzene spectrum. A lack of theoretical calculations concerning benzyl alcohol is revealed.