Radiolysis of pyrimidines in aqueous solutions. Part 2.—Product formation in the interaction of e–aq, ·H, ·OH and Cl–2· with uracil

Abstract

Product yields in the reaction of e–aq, ·H, ·OH and Cl–˙2 with uracil and uracil– have been determined quantitatively in 60Co γ-irradiated aqueous uracil solutions in the presence of suitable scavengers. Good material balances between G(–uracil) and G(total products) have been obtained in all cases. The products determined were: uracil dimer, alloxan, alloxantin, uracil cis-glycol, uracil trans–glycol, dialuric acid, isobarbituric acid, 5-hydroxydihydrouracil, 6-hydroxydihydrouracil, dihydrouracil, formylurea, 5-hydroxyhydantoin, parabanic acid, urea and alcohol adducts. Based on the yields of these products and the available literature, mechanisms are proposed and discussed.