GC-MS and GC-FTIR identification of volatile radiolytic products in water-nitrobenzene-carbon tetrachloride two phase systems

Abstract

Various volatile products formed in the γ-radiolysis of water-nitrobenzene-carbon tetrachloride two phase systems have been identified using GC-MS and GC-FTIR systems. The conditions for the separation of the products are described in detail. It was found that product formation is dependent on the composition of the systems. In case when the volume ratio of carbon tetrachloride is higher, chlorobenzene appears to be one of the major radiolytic products. This means that substitution of the nitro group by chlorine atom occurs in the presence of water. Substitution of the nitro group and hydrogen atom by chlorine atom and/or HO free radical is also observed, depending on the composition of the mixture. Formation of phenyl isocyanate is proposed to be the result of interaction of dichlorocarbene and nitrobenzene. The mechanism of some main product formation is described briefly.