Radiation reduction of Cr, Mo and W isopolymetalates in aqueous system

The radiation-chemical processes in aqueous solutions of dichromates, isopolymolybdates and isopolytungstates have been studied. The radiation reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III), Mo(VI) to Mo(V) and W(VI) to W(V) takes place. Molybdenum and tungsten blues are the products of the last two processes in acid solutions. The yields of reduction decrease significantly with the increase of pH. The mechanisms of the processes have been discussed. The photochemical reduction of Mo(VI) and W(VI) for the production of corresponding 5-valent states have been used to the study of their electron scavenging efficiencies. It has been shown that these efficiencies decrease in the order: Mo(V)>W(V)>Cr(VI)>Mo(VI)>W(VI).