Radiolysis of Aqueous Solutions of Hydrogen Sulphide and an Interpretation of Radiolytic Thiol Oxidation

Journal Article · Sat Apr 07 04:00:00 EST 1962 · Nature (London)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/194081a0· OSTI ID:4794547

PACKER, J. E.

The radiolysis of aqueous hydrogen sulfide solutions was examined in great detail. Gamma irradiation of an oxygenfree solution of 0.0175 M hydrogen sulfide yielded G(S), G(H/sub 2/), and G(H/sub 2/O/sub 2/) of 3.4, 3.9, and 0.5 molecules per 100/ ev, respectively. Similarly a 0.070 M hydrogen sulfide solution in 0.1 N sulfuric acid gave initial yields G(S) and G(H/sub 2/O/sub 2/) of 3.4 and 0.8, respectively. In the presence of oxygen the initial yield of sulfur was greatly increased. No hydrogen peroxide was found until the dissolved oxygen had been used, while sulfate was formed prlor to oxygen depletion with an initial yield G(SO/sub 4/) of 6 plus or minus 1.5 from a 0.0875 M hydrogen sulfide solution. The results suggest a short chain mechanism probably involving a reaction between hydrogen sulfide raolecules and reactive peroxy intermediates. It is also suggested that a comparsble mechanism, involving the intermediate radical RSOO-, might occur in oxygenated solutions of thiols, and that their ability to use up oxygen may partly explain their mode of protection against harmful radiation effects. (P. C. H.)

• Research Organization: Inst. of Nuclear Sciences, Lower Hutt, N.Z.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-16-014796
• OSTI ID: 4794547
• Journal Information: Nature (London), Journal Name: Nature (London) Journal Issue: 4823 Vol. 194; ISSN 0028-0836
• Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ALCOHOLS
CHEMISTRY
DECOMPOSITION
GAMMA RADIATION
HYDROGEN
HYDROGEN PEROXIDES
HYDROGEN SULFIDES
MOLECULES
ORGANIC SULFUR COMPOUNDS
OXIDATION
OXYGEN
RADIATION CHEMISTRY
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIOLYSIS
SOLUTIONS
SULFATES
SULFUR
SULFURIC ACID
THIOLS
WATER