The photo-absorption spectrum of CCl2F2 has been measured using synchrotron radiation in the range 5.5-11 eV (225 > lambda > 110 nm). Electronic state assignments have been suggested for each of the observed absorption bands incorporating both valence and Rydberg transitions. The high resolution achieved has allowed vibrational series in one of these bands to be assigned for the first time. The measured VUV cross-sections may be used to derive the photolysis rate Of CCl2F2 in the terrestrial atmosphere. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.