Photochemical Studies. XXV. The Direct Photochemical Decomposition of Nitrous Oxide

Abstract

The number of molecules of gas uncondensed by liquid air formed per quantum absorbed by nitrous oxide has been determined both in the presence and absence of mercury. At least part of the primary dissociation must be into nitrogen molecules and oxygen atoms. A mechanism consistent with the facts involves the subsequent reactions O+N₂O=2NO and O+O=O₂. However, it is impossible to state definitely that none of the primary dissociation is into nitric oxide molecules and nitrogen atoms. The weakness of the absorption suggests that the absorption is ``forbidden'' and it is possible that the nitrogen molecules and oxygen atoms are produced in their normal electronic states (with perhaps some vibrational energy in the nitrogen molecule).