Highly sensitive detection of benzyl free radical in the vapor phase

The 12B2 → 32B2 transition in the absorption spectrum of the benzyl free radical has been recorded in the vapor phase together with a new band at shorter wavelengths, probably the first Rydberg band of the radical in the vapor phase. The photolysis flash was of short duration and it was possible to follow the kinetics of the radicals' decay, which occurred predominantly by bimolecular recombination.