Publication Date
Fall 2025
Abstract
Prior Knowledge
- Chemists observed that acetone vapor decomposes under UV light producing CO and hydrocarbons. The problem with their data was that it was inconsistent due to uncontrolled experimental variables (Herr and Noyes 2052–2053).
- Quantum yield data varied widely, pressure, temperature, and light intensity had never been systematically analyzed (Herr and Noyes 2052–2053).
- Noyes and Herr wanted to create a quantitative, controlled measurements to clarify the mechanisms of acetone photolysis (Herr and Noyes 2052–2053).
Importance of Acetone IV
- Serves as a fundamental model for photochemical bond cleavage (Journal of the American Chemical Society).
- Tests core photochemical laws (absorption → excitation → reaction (Journal of the American Chemical Society).
- Provides measurable data for understanding energy transfer, bond-breaking, and reaction pathways (Journal of the American Chemical Society).
Course
CHE 141: General Chemistry I
Rights
Copyright is owned by the creator of this work.
Recommended Citation
Bonita, Zildjan, "William Albert Noyes Jr. and a Systemic Study of the Near Ultraviolet Photochemical Decomposition of Acetone" (2025). Natural Sciences Student Research Presentations. 186.
https://spark.parkland.edu/nsps/186
