Polyynes Decomposition with γ Radiation

Abstract

Polyynes have been radiolyzed with a ⁶⁰Co γ‐source in the absence of air at various radiation doses from 1 to 20 kGy. The disappearance of polyynes C₈H₂, C₁₀H₂, C₁₂H₂, has been followed by liquid chromatographic analysis (HPLC) using a diode array and a fluorescence detector. The polyynes radiolysis has been followed as function of the irradiation time. The HPLC analysis has revealed that initially C₈H₂ is transformed into a derivative having higher molecular weight which is then demolished into other products. The final products analyzed by FT‐IR spectroscopy appear to be the results of multiple addition of polyynes chains and their chemical interaction with solvent.

Keywords:

• Polyynes
• Radiolysis
• HPLC analysis
• Oligomers

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This research work has been supported by ASI, the Italian Space Agency, under the contract number I/015/07/0 (Studi di Esplorazione del Sistema Solare).