science-softCon uv/vis+ photochemistry database;	www.photochemistry.org; (C) science-softCon 2020

Substance: pyruvic acid					Other Names: propanoic acid, 2-oxo-

Formula: C3H4O3						CAS-No.: 127-17-3

Study: absorption cross sections, photolysis, quantum yields


Authors: S. Yamamoto, R.A. Back

Title: The photolysis and thermal decomposition of pyruvic acid in the gas phase

Journal/Source: Can. J. Chem., 63, 549-554, (1985); doi:10.1139/CJC-63-2-549


Data: table, diagram

Energy/Wavelength range: 250 - 400 nm

Resolution: 

Temperature: 358 K

Temperature dependence: 

Pressure/Concentration: 1 - 10 Torr

Phase: vapor

pH:


Comments: The absorption spectrum is reported; the first system begins at about 380 nm, rising to a maximum at 
about 350 nm, with epsilon(max) = 10 M-1 cm-1.
The photolysis of pyruvic acid vapour has been studied at wavelengths of 366, 345, and 320 nm, at a temperature of 340 K 
and pressures from about 1 to 10 Torr. Products observed were CO2 and CH3CHO, with the former always in excess, and a 
quantum yield of CO2 of 0.9 ± 0.1 at 366 nm.