Effect of acids on the gamma-radiolysis of frozen aqueous systems of some organic compounds

Abstract
ESR spectra of γ-irradiated frozen aqueous solutions of a number of organic compounds such as alcohols, ether, acetone and tetrahydrofurans have been examined in the presence and absence of mineral acids such as H2SO4. The presence of the acid is found to cause an intensification of the organic radical ESR spectra as compared with the acid free solutions. Also, the presence of the organic compounds in frozen aqueous H2SO4 suppresses the formation of both H-atoms and SO4 radical ions. These results have been explained on the basis of reactions of the electrons and holes, or excitons, primarily formed by the action of radiation on the substrate ice.