Abstract
Oxygen-free aqueous solutions of 0.05 mol dm -3 malic acid (pH 2.4) were irradiated with 60Co λ rays (0.1–92 kGy). Various small molecules were identified: CO, CO 2, CH 4, HCHO, CH 3CHO, (HCO) 2, CH 3COCHO, and CH 3COOH. With the exception of CO 2, they appear in small yields ( G< 0.1) and represent minor radiolytic products. About 16 di-and polycarboxylic acids appear in irradiated solution, among them malonic and succinic acids being fairly abundant. Of particular importance is the efficient formation of dimers and trimers of malic acid. From the experimental data the value of k(e - aq + (HOOCCH 2CH(OH)COOH) was evaluated as ⩾3 × 10 9 dm 3 mol -1 s -1. Probable free-radical reactions leading to the formation of the radiolytic products are considered.
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