γ-Radiolysis of diethyl succinate

Abstract

Diethyl succinate has been irradiated under vacuum with ⁶⁰Co γ-radiation. An attempt was made to identify and measure the complete product spectrum. Twenty different products were found after a maximum total dose of 9 × 10²³ eV l.^–1. The most abundant were ethanol, ethyl propionate, ethane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, acetaldehyde and carbon dioxide. With the possible exception of acetaldehyde, G-values for these products were independent of the dose in the range studied. Gas yields were also measured in the presence of small amounts of additives (FeCl₃, H₂O or CH₂ : CH₂). Possible mechanisms for product formation are discussed.