The cleavage of one or more
covalent bonds in a
molecular entity resulting from absorption of light, or a photochemical process in which such cleavage is an essential part. For example:
The term is used incorrectly to describe
irradiation of a sample, although in the combination
flash photolysis this usage is accepted.
Source:
PAC, 1994, 66, 1077
(Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994))
on page 1150
See also:
PAC, 1990, 62, 2167
(Glossary of atmospheric chemistry terms (Recommendations 1990))
on page 2206
