Photolysis of Acetaldehyde and Quantum Yield

Photolysis of Acetaldehyde

Photolysis of acetaldehyde takes place in the light of 2500-3100Å wavelength yielding CH₄, CO and C₂H₆ etc.
CH₃CHO + hν → CH₄ + CO + C₂H₆ + other products

CH₃CHO + hν ---K₁---> CH₃ + CHO
CH₃CHO + CH₃ ---K₂---> CH₄ + CH₃CO
CH₃CO ---K₃---> CO + CH₃
CH₃ + CH₃ ---K₄---> C₂H₆
CO is formed only in step -3 hence-

Quantum Yield of Acetaldehyde