Yield and reactivity of electrons and H atoms in irradiated aqueous solutions

Using specific scavengers of solvated electrons eaa~, and of atomic hydrogen H in aqueous solutions irradiated with x rays, evidence is obtained that the hydrogen yield Ghydroien=3.7±0.1 between pH 2-4. It is shown that this yield corresponds to the sum of the yields of molecular hydrogen GH₂=0.5, the primary yield of atomic hydrogen G_H=0.55 and yield of solvated electrons G~=2.65. Evidence is obtained showing that H atoms formed as such (G_H =0.55) appear in the bulk of the solution even at neutral pH. The velocity constants of the reactions of H atoms with acetate, isopropanol, glucose, glycerol, and nitrite were obtained. The reactivity of e_aq^- with H_aq⁺, acetone and ferricyanide was studied and relative velocity constants obtained. An upper limit, k_eaq^- + H₂o ≤10³ liter mole^-11 sec_-1 is found for the reaction of e _aq^-with water to yield hydrogen.