Temperature dependence of the near UV absorption spectra and photolysis products of ethyl nitrate

The UV absorption cross sections for ethyl nitrate were measured as a function of temperature between 265 and 340 nm by using cavity ring-down spectroscopy. Absorption cross sections increased with temperature between 238 and 298 K. The variation with temperature was greater at longer wavelengths. Photodissociation product channels of ethyl nitrate at 308 nm were determined using an excimer laser and a cavity ring-down spectrometer. C2H5O + NO2 were the sole photoragmentation products with a quantum yield of 1.0 ± 0.1, independent of temperature. Atmospheric implications are discussed.