Radiolytic product distribution in self-irradiated and gamma irradiated solid state Ca14CO3: New data

Both self-radiolysis and gamma irradiation induce transformations in solid Ca 14 CO 3 . Liquid chromatography followed by liquid scintillation counting was used to identify eight products after aqueous dissolution of the irradiated samples. The distributions of the radiolytic products depend on the gamma dose or the self-radiolysis time. Formic and oxalic acids are the principal products, both originating from the radical ion. Secondary reactions produce further compounds such as glycolic-, glyoxylic-, acetic- and malonic acids, formaldehyde and methanol. • Five carboxylic acids, formaldehyde and methanol were found in self-radiolysis and gamma radiolysis of Ca 14 CO 3 . • The has been considered as a precursor of the organic products. • Radiolytic product distribution from gamma irradiated and self-radiolyzed solid Ca 14 CO 3 . • Relative yields of formic and oxalic acids found after dissolution of self-irradiated Ca 14 CO 3 , as a function of the accumulated radiation dose.