photodissociation

[ foh-toh-di-soh-see-ey-shuh n, -shee- ]
/ ˌfoʊ toʊ dɪˌsoʊ siˈeɪ ʃən, -ʃi- /

noun

the dissociation or breakdown of a chemical compound by radiant energy.

Origin of photodissociation

First recorded in 1920–25; photo- + dissociation