Abstract
n-Pentane in liquid phase was irradiated with high energy electrons and photons and the products analyzed. The The C/sub 6/-C/sub 10/ iso-and n- paraffins are formed in the early stages by free radical recombination, involving methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, 1-pentyl, 2-pentyl, and 3-pentyl radicals. Relative steady-state concentrations of these radicals were determined from the product distribution. Absolute total free radical concentration at the dose rate used is of the order of 10/sup -7/ mole per liter, with mean lifetimes of slightly less than a millisecond at 25 deg . 1-Pentene and cis- and trans-2- pentenes are major products, formed by a reaction independent of temperature and of the presence of radical scavengers. Formation of cis-olefin had not previously been observed. The product pentenes react at nearly equal ratios by a mechanism as yet unknown. This reaction of the olefins is not important in the formation of heavy products below doses of the order of 3 x 10/sup 7/ rads, but becomes increasingly important above this level. All major products and nearly all minor ones evidently originate from simple bond-breaking processes. Isomerizations and complicated concerted processes are essentially absent. Alkyl free radical disproportionations, decompositions, and hydrogen abstraction reactions are absent. (auth)
Published Version
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