Reactions of aminyl radicals during radiolysis and photolysis of aqueous solutions of amino alcohols and their derivatives

Abstract

It has been found that the radiolysis of the aqueous solutions of α,β-amino alcohols leads to the formation of degradation products of the parent substances. The experimental data suggest that the degradation process includes the stage of the formation of aminyl radicals, which undergo decomposition with the simultaneous cleavage of -C-C- and -O-H bonds through a five-membered transition state. The radiation-induced degradation of amino alcohols is enhanced in an alkaline medium, in which the amino group is deprotonated, and is blocked via the etherification of the hydroxyl group in the parent substances or the introduction of reducing agents.