Effect of radiation and heating on acid products of acetic acid radiolysis in concentrated nitrate solution

Radiolysis and thermolysis of glyoxalic, glycolic, and succinic acids in aqueous nitrate and nitrate-nitric acid solutions were studied. The radiolysis of the acids occurs with the participation of nitric acid radical species, precursors of stable NO 2 − ions. Thermolysis of nitrate-nitric acid solutions of acids involves rapid decomposition of HNO3, intensifying the decomposition of the organic acids owing to their reaction with NO2, major product of HNO3 thermolysis. Accumulation of NO 2 − ions in irradiated and heated (150°C) solutions, with an increase in pH, was detected.