Radiation-induced organic hydrogen isotope exchange reactions in aqueous solution

Abstract

A study of the possible radiation-induced exchange reactions of organic hydrogen isotopes in which there is no net chemical change is reported. The present day ideas regarding the radiation chemistry of water according to which the energy from ionizing radiation is deposited in regions called ''spurs'' are reviewed. Isotope exchange processes for benzene and other aromatic compounds are discussed in light of their involvement with the radiolysis products of water, hydrogen atoms, solvated electrons, and hydroxyl radicals. The involvement of metal ions in the isotope exchange was also surveyed. It is concluded that the radiation-identity reactions of the aromatics with a radiolysis product involves one oxidation step and one reduction step. The various steps are summarized in tabular form. The isotope exchange reactions are expected to take place in more complex molecules, and these radiation-induced hydrogen exchange reactions merit consideration in discussions of radiobiological processes. 40 references are cited.