The Reactions of t-C4H9+ in the Radiolysis of Neopentane in the Gas Phase

The yields and reactions of t-C4H9+ produced in the radiolysis of neopentane in the gas phase have been studied by the use of ammonia. The yields of iso-C4H8 increase sharply upon the addition of a small amount of ammonia in the radiolysis of neopentane and show a constant value upon the further addition of ammonia (more than 10 mol.%). Since this increase is due to the following reaction: t−C4H9++NH3→ iso−C4H8+NH4+ we get G(t-C4H9+)=1.76 by assuming the increment of iso-C4H8 to be equal to the yield of t-C4H9+. This value is consistent with the value expected from the mass spectrum of neopentane. It has, therefore, been concluded that the ammonia method is a very effective general method for studying the reactions of ions. It is applicable to the study of ions under high pressures, ions which can not be studied by a mass spectrometer. It is especially effective in the study of less reactive ions.