Laser‐induced photodestruction of the organo‐phosphates: DIMP and DMMP∗

Work performed under the auspices of US DOE.

Abstract

The infrared and ultraviolet laser‐induced photodestruction of diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP) and dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) has been surveyed. We used the excimer lasers ArF (193 nm), KrF (248 nm), XeCl (308 nm), and quadrupled Nd:YAG (266 nm) as well as a pulsed CO₂ laser. Samples were irradiated in the vapor and liquid phases. Photodissociation was observed at all irradiation wavelengths, being most efficient when ArF irradiated DIMP or DMMP in the vapor phase in the presence of air or oxygen. Pulsed, focused CO₂ radiation led to multiple photon dissociation and pyrolytic destruction. Light hydrocarbon gases were the principal decomposition products. Hydrogen, CO, CO₂ and water were also detected. The residual liquid is likely to be a phosphorus‐bearing acid.

Key words:

• Laser‐induced photochemistry
• DIMP
• DMMP
• photodestruction

Notes

Work performed under the auspices of US DOE.