Radiolysis of carboxylic compounds. Part 2.—Radiolysis of liquid acetic acid

Abstract

Analysis of the stable products of γ radiolysis of liquid CH₃COOH, carried out earlier, has been completed by determination of biacetyl and water yields. A transient absorption spectrum fouud during pulse radiolysis experiments has been ascribed to the CH₃ĊO radical by comparison with a similar observation for concentrated aqueous solutions of CH₃COOH. Under pulse radiolysis conditions (0.5–15 krad pulse^–1) the ĊCH₂COOH radical was not observed. The yields of primary species, i.e., cation and anion radicals, are estimated by applying a steady state kinetic treatment. A reaction mechanism for the radiolysis of liquid CH₃COOH is proposed.