Product Quantum Yields for the 350 nm Photodecomposition of Pyruvic Acid in Air

Quantum yields for the products CH 3 CHO, CO 2 and CH 3 COOH in the 350 nm photodecomposition of pyruvic acid are 0.48 ± 0.01, 1.27 ± 0.18 and 0.14, respectively, as measured in air at atmospheric pressure. In the presence of NO 2 the quantum yield for CH 3 CHO was reduced to 0.30 ± 0.04 and peroxyacetyl nitrate was formed with a quantum yield of 0.15 ± 0.02. This is taken to indicate the formation of acetyl radicals in one of the primary processes.