An electronic signature of hydrolysation in the X-ray absorption spectrum of aqueous formaldehyde

Niklas Ottosson, Emad F. Aziz, Ioana L. Bradeanu, Sébastien Legendre, Gunnar Öhrwall, Svante Svensson, Olle Björneholm, Wolfgang Eberhardt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Formaldehyde in aqueous solution is hydrolysed and forms methanediol. Using X-ray absorption spectroscopy we show that the hydrolysation product can be identified by a distinct electronic signature in the spectra. This is manifested by the disappearance of the oxygen 1s → π* absorption line. The X-ray absorption spectrum of aqueous formaldehyde is compared with those of the structurally similar formamide and urea, which are in contrast not hydrolysed in aqueous solution. We thereby demonstrate the exceptional sensitivity and simplicity of the technique to monitor this fundamental process in the aqueous phase.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)540-542
Number of pages3
JournalChemical Physics Letters
Volume460
Issue number4-6
DOIs
StatePublished - 30 Jul 2008
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An electronic signature of hydrolysation in the X-ray absorption spectrum of aqueous formaldehyde'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this