Radiolysis of liquid propane : non-radical reactions

Abstract

The yields of ionic and excited molecule reactions in γ-radiolysis of liquid propane from 35 to –130°C have been assessed by isotopic analysis of C₃H₈+ C₃D₈+ O₂ and CH₃CD₂CH₃+ O₂mixtures. From a comparison with gas phase data the following conclusions are reached for the gas to liquid phase change : (a) the ionic decomposition yield decreases by ⩽69%, (b) the net excited molecule decomposition yield decreases by 7% or less, (c) parent ion fragmentation still occurs in the liquid and exhibits fragmentation processes requiring from 1-4 eV excitation, (d) the H^–₂/H^– transfer reaction ratio for C₂H⁺₄+ C₃H₈ seems to be increased, and (e) the isotopic decomposition of CH₃CD₂CH₃ is drastically changed.