Photolyzed

Photolyzed is a term used in chemistry and photochemistry to describe a substance that has undergone photolysis. Photolysis is a chemical process where a chemical compound is broken down into smaller parts by the absorption of photons, which are packets of light energy. This means that light has caused a chemical reaction to occur, leading to the decomposition of the original molecule.

The process of photolysis is driven by the energy of the absorbed photons. When a molecule absorbs a photon with sufficient energy, an electron within the molecule can be excited to a higher energy level. This excited state is often unstable, and the molecule may then break apart into fragments. The specific bonds that break depend on the molecular structure and the wavelength of the light absorbed.

Examples of photolyzed substances can be found in various scientific contexts. For instance, in the Earth's atmosphere, ozone (O3) is photolyzed by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, playing a crucial role in the formation and destruction of the ozone layer. Similarly, certain pharmaceuticals and organic compounds can be photolyzed upon exposure to light, which is why they are often stored in opaque containers. In environmental science, the photolysis of pollutants in water or air can be an important degradation pathway. The term "photolyzed" simply indicates that this light-induced decomposition has taken place.