Radiolysis of Liquid Methanol by Co 60 Gamma-Radiation

Previous reports on radiolysis of liquid methanol have compared G values for H2, CH4, CO, formaldehyde, and ethylene glycol obtained on irradiation by Co60 7-rays and 28-Mev He++ ions and have suggested some reaction schemes (1, 2). Yields of H2, HD, and D2 in studies of CH30D with Co60 7-rays have indicated that there are at least two mechanisms of hydrogen production, one of which may not involve free H atoms (3). The relationships between the various yields and the minimum requirements of any proposed mechanism have not been clearly defined, however. In the work here reported we have studied the effect of dose and iodine concentration on the yields of the various products and on the iodine disappearance. Also, some preliminary results on the effects of halide salts are described and interpreted.