Resonant Multiphoton Dissociation and Mechanism of Excitation for Ethyl Chloride

Multiphoton dissociation of ethyl chloride was studied using a tunable 3.3-μm laser to excite CH stretches. Resonances in multiphoton dissociation yields match the position and shape of peaks in the fundamental, as narrow as 0.4 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{-1\mathrm{}}$, and first- and second-over-tone absorption spectra. Transitions through the discrete levels occur at or near resonance. Anharmonicity is compensated by the presence of five CH stretch modes.