Paramagnetic Species Produced by γ Irradiation of Organic Compounds

Abstract
Some alkanes, olefins, alcohols, ethers, and a few other organic compounds have been irradiated with Co60 γ rays at low temperatures. The frozen irradiated samples have been examined for paramagnetic resonance, and the observed spectra in several cases have been identified with specific radicals. The methyl, ethyl, and allyl radicals are among those identified. The results in each case have been considered in relation to the present knowledge of the radiation chemistry of the compound. The mode of radical formation in many cases appears to be quite specific. Thus, in normal alkanes the major process for radical formation is by loss of a specific H atom. Hyperconjugation is used to interpret the resonance spectra.