The Effect of Ionizing Radiation on Amino Acids: I. The Effect of X-Rays on Aqueous Solutions of Glycine

Abstract
Oxygen-free solutions of glycine were irradiated with 50 KV X-rays and the solutions analysed. Extrapolation of yield-dose data gave initial rates of formation of products. NH3, CH3NH2, HCOCOOH, HCHO, CH3COOH, HCOOH, CO2, and H2 were identified as primary products and H2O2 and CO2 as secondary products. Five reactions are proposed. Four are indirect reactions utilizing free radicals formed as the result of energy absorbed by the water. One is a direct reaction utilizing energy absorbed by the glycine. These reactions give a satisfactory material balance for all the products formed. Evidence is presented for an indirect mechanism involving 2 solute molecules.

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