Vapor phase radiation chemistry studied by electron spin resonance spectroscopy

The techniques and some preliminary results of an indirect method of studying vapor phase radiolysis by electron spin resonance (e.s.r.) spectroscopy are reported. After traversing a beam of 40 keV Ar+ ions, a stream of vapor is condensed on a cold finger at 77 °K. Free radicals which are formed by ion bombardment in the vapor phase become trapped in the solid deposit and are detected by e.s.r. Various vapors such as cyclopentane, cyclohexane, benzene, and ethanol have been bombarded at room temperature. The results correlate with conventional radiation chemical data. For example, benzene forms [Formula: see text] (and probably [Formula: see text]) radicals. These may be the intermediates which lead to polymer formation when benzene vapor is irradiated. The potential value of the experiment to vapor phase radiation chemistry is discussed.