An experimental study of SF5CF3 by electron energy loss spectroscopy, VUV photo-absorption and photoelectron spectroscopy

Abstract A comprehensive study of the spectroscopy of trifluoromethyl sulphur pentafluoride, SF 5 CF 3 is reported. A high resolution VUV photo-absorption spectrum of SF 5 CF 3 , has been measured using synchrotron radiation in the range of 5.5–10.8 eV (225> λ >115 nm) and compared with electron energy loss spectroscopy. Excited states are reported in the 8.5–22.5 eV region. Ionic states are probed by HeI photoelectron spectroscopy. The photolysis of the compound has also been investigated to give an estimate of the lifetime in the atmosphere. It is estimated that the atmospheric lifetime of SF 5 CF 3 is of the order of 1000 years; the calculated global warming potential (GWP) is found to be 18,500.