Radiation-induced transformations of isolated organic molecules in solid rare gas matrices

The radiation-chemical behaviour of isolated organic molecules in solid rar e gas matrices was studied using a combination of ESR and IR spectroscopy. The total radiation-chemical yields of degradation of organic molecules in solid argon and xenon were estimated. The effect of electron scavengers on the radiolysis of organic molecules in solid rare gases reveals that the ma in primary process is positive hole transfer from matrix to guest molecule. ESR spectra of a number of radical cations (alkanes, ethers, arenes) were characterized in a low-disturbing environment. It was found that the electr onic characteristics (IP, polarizability) of the matrix used had crucial ef fect on trapping and reactions of the isolated radical cations. (C) 1999 El sevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.