Photosensitization and Fluorescence by Aromatic Hydrocarbons

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Abstract
Benzene, naphthalene, related hydrocarbons and some of their derivatives act as optical sensitizers towards the decomposition of alkyl iodides in hexane solution. Within this group, the sensitizing power of a substance towards an acceptor runs parallel with the ability of the acceptor to quench the fluorescence of the sensitizer; this is demonstrated quantitatively and in detail. The quantum yield of the naphthalene‐sensitized decomposition of ethyl iodide follows an equation of the form 1/φ=a+b(1/[EtI]), and detailed analysis of the quenching and sensitization shows that while sensitization and fluorescence are alternative processes, they are not completely reciprocal, in that more molecules may sensitize than may potentially fluoresce. All of the observed features of the sensitization are consistent with its being the result of a resonative transfer of energy at collision from the excited sensitizer to the acceptor.

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