THE MERCURY-SENSITIZED RADIOLYSIS AND PHOTOLYSIS OF METHANE

Journal Article · Fri Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1960 · Journal of Physical Chemistry (U.S.)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/j100833a512· OSTI ID:4190608

Mains, G J; Newton, A S

The radiolysis of methane with and without mercury was investigated at 280 deg C, using a 4.5-Mev electron beam, and the gas was then analyzed for its hydrocarbon content. Mercury-sensitized photolysis of methane at 260 deg C was also investigated for comparison. A table of product yields of hydrogen and hydrocarbons is given for both experiments. Mercury was found to accelerate the radiolysis. Photolysis products were found to exhibit a somewhat higher yield of neopentane and other higher hydrocarbons, but otherwise they are quite similar to those of radiolysis. The data support reactions like CH/sub 4/ + Hg(/sup 3/P/sub 1/) yields CH/sub 3/ + H + Hg for the mercury-sensitized radiolysis and a free radical mechanism for the photolysis. (D.L.C.)

• Research Organization: Univ. of California, Berkeley
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-14-013760
• OSTI ID: 4190608
• Journal Information: Journal of Physical Chemistry (U.S.), Journal Name: Journal of Physical Chemistry (U.S.) Vol. Vol: 64; ISSN JPCHA
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BEAMS
CATALYSIS
CHEMISTRY
DECOMPOSITION
ELECTRONS
FREE RADICALS
HYDROCARBONS
HYDROGEN
MERCURY
METHANE
METHYL RADICALS
PHOTOLYSIS
RADIATIONS
REACTION KINETICS
USES