Eur. Phys. J. D 26, 201-210 (2003)
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjd/e2003-00223-5

High resolution photo-absorption studies of acrylonitrile, C₂H₃CN, and acetonitrile, CH₃CN

¹ Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, Gower Street, London WCIE 6BT, UK
² Institute for Storage Rings, University of Aarhus, Ny Munkegade, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
³ Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vas. Constantinou Ave., Athens 116 35, Greece

Corresponding author: ^a s.eden@ucl.ac.uk

Received: 7 January 2003
Revised: 5 May 2003
Published online: 22 July 2003

Abstract

High resolution photo-absorption spectra of acrylonitrile and acetonitrile have been recorded in the wavelength range 115 to 320 nm (10.8 to 3.9 eV). Results are compared with previous photo-absorption measurements and electron energy loss spectra and, in most cases, are found to be in close agreement. The high resolution achieved in the present work has allowed some structures to be observed for the first time and new assignments have been suggested accordingly. The role of the molecules in the terrestrial atmosphere is discussed.