Analysis of radiolysis products of aqueous uracil + N2O solutions

Abstract

Various products from the irradiation of solutions of uracil + N₂O with ⁶⁰Co gamma rays were separated by paper chromatographic technique using ¹⁴C labelled materials. Identity of the isolated products was investigated by spectrophotometric and kinetic decomposition studies. Thus at least eight radiolytic products of uracil such as cis- and trans-uracil glycols, 5-hydroxy-6-hydro and 6-hydroxy-5-hydro compounds, isobarbituric acid and three dimeric products were identified. Yields of these products were determined at different pH values; a good material mass balance was achieved; the mechanism involved is discussed.