The reaction of H atoms with OH^- in the radiation chemistry of aqueous solutions

Using 200-kvp. unfiltered X-rays, the effect of pH on reduction and dehydrogenation reactions of H atoms was studied. It is concluded that the reducing radicals in water radiolysis include H atoms with a yield of about 0.48 ± 0.05. This yield is independent of pH between 2 and 13. In the alkaline solutions, H atoms are converted into a species which reacts with scavengers in the same manner as radiation produced e_aq^-. The reactivity of H atoms with nitrate, acetate, acetone, OH^-, and bicarbonate was studied.