Radiolysis of tetrachloromethane

Electron spin resonance studies of tetrachloromethane after exposure to 60Co γ-rays at 77 K reveal the formation of ·CCl3 and CCl˙+4 radicals. On warming in the presence of spin-traps, or on irradiating fluid solutions, nitroxide radical adducts have been detected that are characteristic of ·CCl3 and chlorine atom adducts. In the light of this evidence and that of other investigators a mechanism for the radiolysis of tetrachloromethane is postulated.In the presence of oxygen, ·CCl3 radicals are converted into Cl3COO· radicals. The use of spin-traps to detect these radicals is described and evaluated.