Absorption Coefficients of Liquid Water and Aqueous Solutions in the Far Ultraviolet

Renewed interest in the photochemistry of aqueous solutions in the far ultraviolet (below 2000 A) has stimulated activity in determining reliable extinction coefficients in this spectral region. Several conflicting values for the extinction coefficients of liquid water at various wavelengths have been reported (1-5). In the present study, extinction coefficients of liquid water have been accurately determined in the region 1900 A to 1700 A, thus extending the measurements of Barrett and Mansell (1) and Price et al. (2). In addition, extinction coefficients have been determined at 1849 A and/or between 1800 A and 1900 A for a variety of compounds in aqueous solution. This included sulfuric acid, sodium sulfate, ethyl acetate, methyl alcohol, formic acid, sodium formate, perchloric acid, hydrogen peroxide, potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, and potassium iodide, bromide, and chloride.