The 193 nm photodissociation of borazine

The photodissociation of borazine, B3N3H6, following 193 nm excitation was studied by Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (TOFMS). For one-laser experiments, the TOF mass spectrum following borazine excitation consists of m/e peaks that can be attributed exclusively to borazine ion species, i.e., no photofragments are observed. In the two-laser experiments, the TOF mass spectrum can be assigned to peaks corresponding to B3N3H6+, B3N3H5+, and a small amount of BHNH+ ions. We conclude that a significant channel of borazine photodissociation at 193 nm is the production of the B3N3H5 radical and H atom. The photodissociation process related to production of BHNH species is most likely due to a two-photon process.