RADIATION-INDUCED DEGRADATION OF ALKANE MOLECULES IN SOLID RARE-GAS MATRICES

The radiation-induced degradation of heptane molecules in solid argon and xenon matrices at 15 K was studied using low-temperature IR spectr oscopy. The total radiation-chemical yield of the destruction of hepta ne molecules in argon (mole ratio 500:1) was estimated to be 1.4 molec ule per 100 eV. Methane, vinyl- and trans-vinylene-type olefins, and a llyl-type radicals were identified among the main radiolysis products in both matrices. The C-C bond rupture is favoured in argon probably d ue to formation of excited heptane cations in the hole transfer in thi s matrix. An indication of the radical cation trapping was obtained in a xenon matrix containing an electron scavenger (Freon-113). The mech anism of the radiation-induced degradation of alkane molecules and the fate of the primary cations in rigid inert media are discussed. Copyr ight (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd