Which Compounds are Susceptible to Photodegradation?
Not all compounds are equally susceptible to photodegradation. Typically, chemicals with chromophoric groups that absorb UV or visible light are more prone to this process. Common examples include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pharmaceuticals, and some plastics. Understanding which compounds degrade under light exposure helps toxicologists predict the fate of pollutants in the environment.