Radiolysis in Naphthalene Single Crystals

Abstract

Experimental studies of optical absorption and electron paramagnetic resonance of naphthalene single crystal irradiated at liquid nitrogen, dry ice and room temperatures have been made. It is found that the epr spectrum associated with the l-hydronaphthyl radical is produced at all temperatures studied. Optical absorption bands at 337, 395 and 530 nm are assigned to be associated with the l-hydronaphthyl radical. Irradiation at liquid nitrogen temperature produces a broad doublet epr spectrum as well as that associated with the l-hydronaphthyl radical; the former is considered to be caused by the naphthyl radical. Irradiation at dry ice and room temperatures produces optical absorption bands which are associated neither with the hydronaphthyl nor the naphthyl radical. It is suggested that the radiation products at higher temperature are the hydronaphthyl radical and the naphthalene dimer which is formed as the result of reaction of the naphthyl radical with a neighboring molecule.