γ-Radiolysis of alkanes—I liquid n-pentane and n-hexane

The γ-radiolyses of liquid n-pentane and n-hexane have been thoroughly investigated by means of gas-chromatographic analysis of all the products. The probability of fragmentation, dehydrogenation and substitution at any given position of the molecule is given. The results obtained with the two hydrocarbons are compared and analogies in their behaviour are revealed by taking account of the particular condition of the “central” position of pentane and assigning to it a statistical weight of half that of the other C atoms. Some special aspects of the experimental results, namely the identification of pentane dimers and the overall hydrogen balance, are discussed in detail.