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

peer reviewedA comprehensive study of the spectroscopy of trifluoromethyl sulphur pentafluoride, SF5CF3 is reported. A high resolution VUV photoabsorption spectrum of SF5CF3, has been measured using synchrotron radiation in the range of 5.5-10.8eV (225 > lambda > 115nm) 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 SF5CF3 is of the order of 1000 years; the calculated global warming potential (GWP) is found to be 18,500. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved