Pulse radiolysis and product analysisof triethylsilane

Abstract

The pulse radiolysis of pure, deoxygenated triethylsilane (Et 3SiH) at room temperature results in a number of radicals: H, e -, (Et 3SiH +, e -), Et 3Si, Et 2SiH etc., which have a transient absorption spectrum with a maximum at 260 nm. The apparent rate constant for the decay of the silane transients was found to be k=1.85 × 10 9 dm 3 mol -1 s -1. A relatively large number of final products were found and identified. Their initial G-values were determined. Using N 2O as an electron scavenger, the hydrogen yield decreases from 3.6 to 2.5 and several oxygen containing final products were found in addition to the products observed in deoxygenated silane. The transient absorption spectrum (λ max=255 nm) measured under these conditions represents several species. Reaction mechanisms are presented for the formation of the primary radiolytic species as well as for the explanation of the final products.