Elucidation of non-radical processes in radiation chemistry. formation of chlorohexanes by ion-molecule reactions in the radiolysis of 1-chloropropane

A new experimental approach for elucidating non-radical processes in radiation chemistry is described. The method consists essentially of determining the influence of an additive, which interferes with reactions of ions or excited molecules in the system studied, on the (apparent) cross-combination ratio of certain radicals. The main advantages of the method (with respect to the conventional radical scavenging technique) are that the existence of a non-radical process may be elucidated at very low concentrations of additive, that selectivity of the additive is much less critical and that information on the nature of the non-radical process is available from the type of scavenger used. The method is illustrated with an investigation on the modes of formation of chlorohexanes, in the radiolysis of 1-chloropropane.