UV absorption cross sections for acetates

The UV absorption cross sections of ethyl and methyl acetate are reported. The UV absorptions were measured at the wavelength range of 200 to 260 nm for methyl and 200-329 nm for acetate at room temperature. The absorption of the studied compounds does not extend beyond the 300 nm wavelength, which confirms that their photolysis is unimportant in trophosphere since solar radiation at a wavelength lower than 300 nm does not reach the lower part of the earth atmosphere. The results are compared with previously published ones for formates. This work provides the first UV cross section measurements for acetates.