Kinetics of hydrogen isotope exchange reactions. Part 24.—Exchange between benzene and water initiated by photolysis of potassium iodide solutions

Abstract

The action of light (253.7 nm) on solutions of potassium iodide and benzene in acidified tritium-containing water is shown to lead to tritium uptake by benzene. Systematic investigation of the exchange leads to the conclusion that the exchange is induced by hydrogen (tritium) atoms which are generated in the system by reaction of solvated electrons with hydrogen ions, the electrons being produced from iodide ions on light absorption.