Intermolecular Isotope Effect in Recoil Tritium Reactions with Hydrogen

Abstract

The intermolecular isotope effect in recoil tritium reactions with hydrogen and deuterium was studied by sealing off gas mixtures of He/sup 3/ with H/sub 2/ and D/sub 2/ and irradiating with a thermal neutron beam for two days, the reaction being He/sup 3/a(n.p)T. The products were then separated by gas chromatography, and their radioactivity was measured. In this way, HT/DT ratios were measured for various H/D ratios, and T is found to have a strong preference for RT formation over DT: the isotope preference is 1.55 plus or minus 0.06. With NO or O/sub 2/ added as a free radical scavenger, the preference is higher. (D.L.C.)