Radiation Stabilization of Glycosides by Aromatic Groups

During the Co60 y-irradiation of glycosides, no localized absorption of the radiation in the aglycon portion occurs. Therefore, in view of the selective radiation cleavage of the glycosidic bond, this group of carbohydrates appeared suitable for studying the factors that influence energy transfer within the molecule. This paper describes the effects of y-irradiation on substituted and unsubstituted glycosides in the solid state. The results demonstrate that considerable protection of the glycosidic group may be achieved over distances extending beyond one D-glucose molecule.