The Gamma Irradiation of Aqueous Solutions of Urea. Implications for Chemical Evolution

Authors: R. Navarro-González, A. Negrón-Mendoza, E. Chacón

0.05moledm-3,Oz-free aqueous solutions of urea were studies after receiving various doses of 6°Co gamma rays(0.14-600kGy). Urea was found to be relatively stable under radiation; its radiation chemical yield of decomposition was 0.47. Hydrogen (G=0.50), carbon dioxide (G=0.44), ammonia (G=0.22), oxalic acid (G=0.0054), malonic acid (G=0.000064)and three unidentified oligomers were found to be the main radiolytic products.The origin of these products is explained by free radical reactions initiated by the transients from water radiolysis(H-,’OH, eaq).

https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01808145