We have measured the gas-phase absorption cross sections of 2-nitrobenzaldehyde and benzaldehyde in the 285-400 nm region by using cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRD). Absorption cross sections of 2-nitrobenzaldehyde vapor at 290 and 400 nm are 10.7-fold and 5.5-fold lower than 2-nitrobenzaldehyde aqueous-phase cross section values. The HCO and the NO2 product channels, after 308 and 351 nm photolysis of 2-nitrobenzaldehyde vapor, were examined. Neither HCO nor NO2 was detected. Upper limits for the HCO and NO2 quantum yields are <= 2.2% and <= 6.4% at 308 nm, respectively. Preliminary end-product study indicates that 2-nitrobenzaldehyde photodissociates at 308 nm but not at 351 nm. (C) 2009 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.