The Absorption Spectrum of Benzene in the Ultra-violet Region

Abstract

WE were glad to see in NATURE of October 5 a letter from Prof. Hartley in which he points out the near agreement between our measurements of the bands in the absorption spectrum of benzene and those made by Prof. Dobbie and himself. He also directs attention to the work of Friederichs, who, in the case of benzene vapour, finds the position of these bands to be consistently nearer to the red end of the spectrum. The difference in the position of the bands in the spectrum of benzene vapour and of benzene in solution only proves, of course, the applicability of Kundt's rule. We are also pleased that Prof. Hartley has been able to see the second band on our list (λ = 2656), which, coupled with the fact that Friederichs has also measured it, we feel is a most important confirmation of our observations.