An electronic signature of hydrolysation in the X-ray absorption spectrum of aqueous formaldehyde
Formaldehyde in aqueous solution is hydrolysed and forms methanediol. Using X-ray absorption spectroscopy we show that the hydrolysation product can be identified by a distinct electronic signature in the spectra. This is manifested by the disappearance of the oxygen 1s -> pi* absorption line. The X-ray absorption spectrum of aqueous formaldehyde is compared with those of the structurally similar
