Photochemistry of benzene in aerated aqueous solutions in the range of 214 to 265 nm

Benzene in aerated aqueous solution irradiated at 214 nm (causing transition to the second excited singlet state) gives a similar major photoproduct, with similar yield, as irradiation at 229, 254, or 265 nm. The yield is nearly independent of temperature between 20 and 60°C. The results in correlation with the wave-length dependence of fluorescence support the view that this photochemistry originates in nonrelaxed states prior to the formation of the thermalized fluorescent level.