VUV photo-absorption spectroscopy of vinyl chloride studied by high resolution synchrotron radiation

The electronic state spectroscopy of vinyl chloride, C2H3Cl, has been investigated by high resolution VUV photo-absorption spectroscopy in the wavelength range 115-300 nm (10.8-4.2 eV). New assignments are proposed for Rydberg series converging to the four lowest ionisation energies and their associated vibrational excitation is observed for the first time. Absolute cross-section values have been obtained allowing photolysis lifetimes to be derived in the Earth's troposphere and stratosphere.