Laser,photolysis of formic acid vapor at 222 nm. quantum yields of stable products

Quantum yields of the stable products, CO, CO₂ and H₂, formed in the excimer laser photolysis of formcc acid vapor at 222 nm and 296 K, have been determined. The results, taken together with the primary quantum yield of OH and the mechanssm of the subsequent reaction of OH with formic acid, studied earlier in our laboratory, are consistent with the photolytic channels, . Although calculated and measured yields from the photolysis of a range of pressures of formcc acid are in good agreemen,, the mechanism is not unique, and molecular photodecomposition paths may occur for the monomer to some extent.