Radiation-induced transformations of isolated dimethyl disulphide molecules in solid argon

Abstract

The radiation-induced transformations of isolated dimethyl disulphide molecules in a solid argon matrix occurring under the action of X-rays at 4.5 K were studied by FTIR spectroscopy. It was shown that decomposition was quite efficient (the corresponding radiation-chemical yield of Me2S2 degradation was estimated as 4.5 molecules per 100 eV). The radiolysis proceeds via two primary channels yielding CH3SH plus H2CS and CH4 plus H2CSS, respectively. These two channels of dimethyl disulphide decay during radiolysis lead to various secondary products appearing during prolonged radiolysis. Spectroscopic characteristics of the observed products and possible implications of the results are discussed.