Absorption spectra and photochemistry of the toluene cation and benzyl radical in solid argon

Toluene diluted in argon subjected to continuous argon discharge radiation during condensation at 21 K revealed absorptions at 310.5 and 449.6 nm due to benzyl radical, and 317 nm due to a C₇7H₉ radical. A photosensitive 430 nm band, in agreement with photodissociation spectra of the toluene parent cation, is assigned to this species.