Laser initiated thermal isomerization of methyl isocyanide

Application of single pulses of CO2 TEA laser radiation to a vapor of methyl (CH3NC), with the laser tuned to coincide with the fundamental frequency v4 of this molecule, results in more than 50% conversion of the gas to its isomer methyl cyanide (CH3CN). The experiments, performed at room temperature at pressures 10-100 torr, are interpreted in terms of laser induced heating which is sufficient to trigger a thermal explosion. © 1978.