The 248 nm photodissociation of ClF3: quantum yields for F and Cl atoms

The dynamics of the 248 nm excimer-laser-induced photodissociation of ClF3 has been investigated by the observation of the Cl atoms by time-resolved laser magnetic resonance. In the presence of Cl2, photolytically produced F atoms interacted with Cl2 to produce Cl atoms. Quantum yields for F and Cl atom formation were measured by comparison to the Cl signal from COCl2 photolysis for which the quantum yield is known in the literature. The quantum yields for F and Cl atom formation are determined to be 1.85−0.25+0.15 and <0.02, respectively. By examination of the electronic configuration of the excited state of ClF3, the primary photodissociation products are predicted to be ClF2+F.