Photodegradation of Carbaryl in Acetonitrile Solution

The photochemical decomposition, induced by UV radiation, of the carbamate pesticide (Carbaryl) in acetonitrile has been examined by means of gas chromatography–Mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The result of continuous irradiation was almost total degradation of the pesticide examined. In order to investigate the nature of the reaction products, a spectroscopic study (UV‐Vis, steady‐state fluorescence, and fluorescence lifetime) of the products was performed. Phthalic anhydride and traces of 1,4‐naphtalenedione as an intermediate were detected as reaction products. The presence of a trace amount of 1‐naphthol as one of the photoproducts was confirmed by fluorescence lifetime measurements.