Alkyl Group Dissociation During Corona Excitation of Alkylbenzenes

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Well-resolved vibronic emission spectra were recorded in the visible region from the corona discharge of precursor alkylbenzenes in a technique of corona excited supersonic expansion using a pinhole-type glass nozzle. From the observed spectra, we found the evidence of the presence of benzyl-type radicals generated by dissociation of C-C or C-H bonds of alkyl group. After identification of benzyl-type radicals formed in the corona discharge, we suggest that energy densities in alkyl chain play a crucial role in determining the bond dissociation during corona excitation.