The initial distributions of Cd(3P0,1,2) electronic states have been determined for the E-to-V,R process, Cd)1P1) + RH → Cd(3P0,1,2) + RH. The Cd(3P0,1,2) distributions vary smoothly with n in the alkane CnH2n+2 series, from non-statistical for CH4 (with Cd(3P2) favored) to statistical for the C4 and C5 hydrocarbons, with neopentane an exception. © 1979.