Abstract Liquid hexamethyldisiloxane has been photolyzed at 15 C with a low pressure Hg arc (affective wavelength 185 nm). 19 products have been identified and their quantum yields determined. The quantum yields of the three main products are φ [CH 4]= 0.20, φ [C 2 H 6]= 0.045, and φ [(Me 3 Si O SiMe 2) 2]= 0.042. The main event in this photolysis is the rupture of a Si C bond, following the homolytic (i) as well as the molecular mode (ii). ...
