Photolytic separation of D from H in cryogenic solutions of formaldehyde

Abstract
Isotopic enrichment of hydrogen has been demonstrated in cryogenic solutions. Formaldehyde is photolyzed in liquid xenon and found to decompose with low quantum yield. Identified photolytic products include CO and CO2. Absorption spectra of formaldehyde dissolved in liquid xenon are presented. The ratios (1.28–2) of the photodestruction rates of isotopically labeled formaldehyde are similar to the ratios (1.2–3) of their respective absorption cross sections. The photochemistry is briefly discussed.