RADIOLYSIS OF THE TRICHLOROMETHANE-WATER 2-PHASE SYSTEM

The radiolysis of the CHCl3-water two-phase system in the absence of o xygen has been investigated by continuous gamma-ray irradiation. The m ajor products of radiolysis were determined to be the same, except for tetrachloromethane, as in the case of the radiolysis of pure CHCl3, h owever, the radiolytical yields were different. The dependencies of gr oss radiation yields of the radiolysis products on the CHCl3 volume fr action follow the two-phase rule of additivity. The partial yields of all products determined were calculated for both phases and revealed t hat the major products HCl and C2H2Cl4 are formed in both phases. The other organic products are formed mainly in the organic phase. The dec rease of organic product yields is probably caused by the presence of water in the organic phase. The radiolysis of CHCl3-water did not proc eed in the diffusional regime even at high absorbed doses due to the r elatively high solubility of CHCl3 in water and vice versa.