The absolute photolysis rates of estrone and estrone 3-methyl ether were determined through the use
of an iodide-iodate actinometer. The rate of photons absorbed by the iodide-iodate solution when
exposed to three different light sources (photoreactor, handlamp, and fluorimeter) was
measured with UV-Vis spectroscopy. Using this photon rate, the photolysis rates of estrone in a variety
of solvents was followed with gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry and was found to differ based on
solvent. Estrone and estrone 3-methyl ether were also shown to photodegrade at different rates when
irradiated in the same solvent.