Laser photochemical decomposition of compounds containing r--o--p moiety

Abstract

A CW tunable laser is employed in a laser photochemical decomposition met to achieve decomposition of a compound of high toxicity to relatively non-toxic decomposition products. Organophosphorus chemical agents containing a characteristic C--O--P group are irradiated with a predetermined power level from about 10 to about 150 W/cm.sup.2 for a predetermined time period to effect cleavage of the C--O bond. The infrared laser excitation level of radiation in the range of 10.4 .mu.m or 9.4 .mu.m is resonant with the absorption band of the C--O--P group contained in the organophosphorus chemical agent. The absorbed radiation effects cleavage of the C--O bond and thereby achieves decomposition of the organophosphorus chemical agent. The disclosed method is highly selective for cleavage of the C--O bond rather then cleavage of the P--O bond, and in the presence of air, the method requires low power levels of the CO.sub.2 laser for rapid and complete dissociation of the organophosphorus chemical agent.