Phosgene is formed when ultraviolet radiation decomposes chlorinated hydrocarbon.

Phosgene is formed when ultraviolet radiation decomposes chlorinated hydrocarbon.

• A. Carbon dioxide
• B. Argon
• C. Phosgene
• D. Ozone

Answer: (C)

When UV light shines on chlorinated hydrocarbons, the energy can break C–Cl bonds and create reactive fragments. Those fragments can recombine to form phosgene, a toxic gas with the formula COCl2. This photochemical pathway is a known hazard when chlorinated solvents are exposed to UV, especially in the presence of oxygen. Other options don’t fit this specific photolysis outcome: carbon dioxide could form in some oxidation scenarios, ozone forms mainly from UV interacting with oxygen in air, and argon is an inert gas not produced by decomposing organics.

When UV light shines on chlorinated hydrocarbons, the energy can break C–Cl bonds and create reactive fragments. Those fragments can recombine to form phosgene, a toxic gas with the formula COCl2. This photochemical pathway is a known hazard when chlorinated solvents are exposed to UV, especially in the presence of oxygen. Other options don’t fit this specific photolysis outcome: carbon dioxide could form in some oxidation scenarios, ozone forms mainly from UV interacting with oxygen in air, and argon is an inert gas not produced by decomposing organics.