Solvent-dependent complex reaction pathways of bromoform revealed by time-resolved X-ray solution scattering and X-ray transient absorption spectroscopy.

The photochemical reaction pathways of CHBr in solution were unveiled using two complementary X-ray techniques, time-resolved X-ray solution scattering (TRXSS) and X-ray transient absorption spectroscopy, in a wide temporal range from 100 ps to tens of microseconds. By performing comparative measurements in protic (methanol) and aprotic (methylcyclohexane) solvents, we found that the reaction pathways depend significantly on the solvent properties. In methanol, the major photoproducts are CHOCHBr and HBr generated by rapid solvolysis of CHBr-Br, an isomer of CHBr.