The Exchange of Hydrogen and Deuterium in the Presence of Electrons and Ultraviolet Radiation

The mechanism for the radiation-induced exchange of hydrogen and deuterium in the presence of the rare gases is studied from considerations of the individual ion molecule reaction rate constants and energy changes. A mechanism is proposed which accounts adequately for the experimental facts. The reaction is studied in the simultaneous presence of ultraviolet and electron radiations. It is shown that there is an interaction between the ion and radical reactions and that the increased presence of hydrogen atoms inhibits the ion reaction. It is suggested that the reaction may terminate by the neutralization of ion molecule clusters with free electrons. (auth)