RADIOLYSIS OF METHANE. FORMATION OF ACETYLENE.

Abstract

The **6**0Co-gamma radiolysis (at 200 to 2000 torr) and the pulse radiolysis (100 to 760 torr) of methane has been investigated with the specific purpose of elucidating the mode of formation of acetylene. The following two reactions account for the formation of acetylene in the pulse radiolysis: C//2H//5** plus plus e yields C//2H//2 plus H//2 plus H, C(**1S or **1D) plus CH//4 yields C//2H//2 plus H//2. Addition of SF//6 as an electron scavenger eliminates reaction I as a source of acetylene, but increases the yield of ethylene through the occurrence of a reaction such as: C//2H//5** plus plus SF//6- yields C//2H//4 plus HF plus SF//5.