The flash photolysis of diazopropyne (HC2∙CHN2) provides a particularly strong absorption spectrum of the free C3 radical. About 40 μs after the photolysis flash, the appearance of the [Formula: see text] (4 050 Å) system of C3 is similar to that obtained in the flash photolysis of diazomethane by Gausset, Herzberg, Lagerqvist, and Rosen, though much more intense. The intensity of the spectrum has permitted a study of the l-type doubling effect in the ground-state level 6ν2, of which the [Formula: see text] component has been found to lie at 458.2 cm−1. At shorter time delays [Formula: see text] the spectrum is complicated by bands arising from the levels ν1″ (1 224.5 cm−1) and 2ν1″ (2 436.0 cm−1).Below 3 700 Å the C3 spectrum is overlapped by absorption bands belonging to a new free radical, which has been identified from the intensity alternation in the rotational structure as the HCCCH radical. The vibrational structure of this system is exceptionally complex, and analysis has not been possible. The bands extend to about 3 100 Å, but are predissociated below 3 450 Å.