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THE ACTION OF X-RAYS ON DILUTE SOLUTIONS OF p-AMINOBENZOIC ACID

Journal Article · · Radiation Res.
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3571592· OSTI ID:4076949

BS>The x-ray-induced hydroxylation of p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) was studied in the presence and absence of oxygen, in neutral, and in 0.4 M sulfuric acid solution. The main product formed at pH 7.4 is 3-hydroxy-4-aminobenzoic acid (3-OH-PABA), There is no formation of p-aminosalicylic acid, but p- hydroxybenzoic acid and aniline are formed in trace amounts. In solutions flushed with pure 0 the yield of 3-OH-PABA was found to be 0.90 molecule/ 100 ev and the yield of total degradation 1.2 molecules/ 100 ev. In the absence of O these yields are reduced by a factor of 6. The data indicate that the degradation of PABA is due to OH radicals and that the O/sub 2/ radical is participating only in dismutations. The strong effect of O is ascribed to the trapping of electrons and H radicals, which in anoxia might be participating in back reactions, thus repairing the target molecules. In 0.4 M sulfuric acid the yield of total degradation was found to be 1.1 molecule and 0.9 molecule/ 100 ev in the presence and in the absence of 0 respectively, whereas the yield of 3-OH-PABA was less than 0.2. The mechanism of degradation is discussed. (auth)

Research Organization:
Norwegian Radium Hospital, Montebello, Norway
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
NSA Number:
NSA-18-016110
OSTI ID:
4076949
Journal Information:
Radiation Res., Journal Name: Radiation Res. Vol. Vol: 21
Country of Publication:
Country unknown/Code not available
Language:
English