The photochemistry of 2-furaldehyde vapour. I. Photophysical processes: phosphorescence excited in the π* ← n transition

A search was made for emission from 2-furaldehyde, following excitation in the first two absorption bands. Only phosphorescence from the 3 nπ* state was observed. The pressure dependence of the lifetime and quantum yield of this emission was determined, as well as that of the quantum yield of intersystem crossing. A mechanism involving self-quenching of excited triplet 2-furaldehyde is proposed.