Secondary Electrons in the Radiolysis of Cyclohexane

Abstract

Abstract Carbon dioxide and sulfur hexafluoride have been used as electron scavengers in the γ-radiolysis of cyclohexane. The dependence of G(H2) on the concentrations of additives can be interpreted satisfactorily in terms of diffusion-controlled reactions between electrons and the additives. A simple calculation was made using a function proportional to r2exp(−αr2) for the initial distribution of secondary electrons. The distribution constant α and the value of G(electrons) were adjusted to make the calculated curve of G(H2) vs- scanvenger concentration coincide with the observed one. The average initial separation of the secondary electron from the parent positive ion was found to be about 50 Å, and G(electrons) = 3.