533. Effects of γ-radiation. Part III. Quantitative studies of the products from glycollic acid

Abstract

The decomposition of glycollic acid solutions induced by y-radiation in vacuo and in the presence of oxygen has been followed quantitatively. The concentrations of glycollic, glyoxylic, tartaric, oxalic, and formic acid, formaldehyde, and carbon dioxide have been measured directly, and by new colorimetric methods in the cases of glycollic and glyoxylic acid. A mass balance for carbon has been obtained, and degradation pathways are advanced to explain the results.

Glycolic Acid Physical Properties, Impurities, and Radiation Effects Assessment

“…The irradiated SRAT product supernate was heated to reflux for 1 hour, and again, no visible changes occurred to the solution. Analysis of samples of the original SRAT product supernate, the irradiated SRAT product supernate, and the irradiated SRAT product supernate after boiling for 1 hour showed no significant change in the glycolate concentration (Table 3- 5). No evidence for the formation of organic polymers was found.…”

Glycolic acid physical properties and impurities assessment

“…Products from the low dose gamma radiolysis of oxygen saturated aqueous solutions are carbon dioxide (1.9), along with formic (1.6), glyoxylic (2.8) and tartaric (0.04) acids and smaller amounts of oxalic acid and formaldehyde. 13 The numbers in parentheses are the number of molecules of each product formed per 100 eV of radiation absorbed. The calculation of the 100 eV yields of the number of carbon atoms in the products indicates that the number of glycolic acid molecules decomposed is 4.5 molecules/100 eV.…”

Glycolic Acid Physical Properties, Impurities, and Radiation Effects Assessment

“…Products from the low dose gamma radiolysis of oxygen saturated aqueous solutions are carbon dioxide (1.9), along with formic (1.6), glyoxylic (2.8) and tartaric (0.04) acids and smaller amounts of oxalic acid and formaldehyde. 5 The numbers in parentheses are the number of molecules of each product formed per 100 eV of radiation absorbed. The calculation of the 100 eV yields of the number of carbon atoms in the products indicates that the number of glycolic acid molecules decomposed is 4.5 molecules/100 eV.…”