Photochemical case history

In this chapter experimental approach to the study of a photochemical reaction is gradually developed starting from simple observations. It is expected that such an approach will promote basic understanding of the methodology and an appreciation for the use of sophisticated instruments necessary in photochemical studies. The case history of the reaction be tween anthracene and carbon tetrachloride has been taken up as this apparently simple reaction has many complexities and has been investigated bv a number of workers at various levels of sophistication. 

A new chapter has been added in which the case history of a photochemical reaction has been taken up from preliminary observation to considerable sophistication. The purpose behind this exercise was to introduce the students to the methodology for the mechanistic study of a photochemical reaction. 

We turn now to concrete examples of the interplay between photochemical and radiation chemical techniques in the form of case histories taken mainly from our work at Brookhaven National Laboratory. 

In the present case, further extending his list of key dates would lead to a treatise of photochemistry that may be conveniently found elsewhere. This will not be attempted, therefore, and only a few indications are given of the main instrumental advancements that made possible to understand the complex mechanism of photochemical reactions. A list of dates can at any rate be found in the Webster s timeline history [14] ... 

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