Term: predissociation
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.P04808

Definition:
Dissociation occurring by tunnelling from a 'bound' to an 'unbound' vibronic state. In an absorption spectrum of a molecular entity, the appearance of a diffuse band region within a series of sharp bands is called predissociation, since irradiation with frequencies within the diffuse region leads to effective dissociation. The energy of the band is smaller than that of the dissociation continuum of the bound state.

Related Terms:
1) dissociation (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.D01801-1).
2) tunnelling (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.T06531).
3) absorption spectrum (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.A00043).
4) irradiation (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.I03255).
5) dissociation (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.D01801-2).

Source: PAC, 1996, 68, 2223. 'Glossary of terms used in photochemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 2266 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668122223)

Citation: 'predissociation' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.P04808

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