On the decay of H and D atoms in aqueous sulphuric acid glasses. Isotope effects

Glassy samples of a mixture of 9.16 M H₂SO₄ in H₂O and 9.16 M D₂SO₄ in D₂O were X-irradiated at 77 K. ESR-measurements showed that the decay of D atoms was considerably faster than the decay of atoms at 118 K. This isotope effect was even more pronounced when the decay of H atoms in 9.16 M H₂SO₄ and D atoms in 9.16 M D₂SO₄ were measured separately. At 77 K no isotope effects were found, neither with, nor without 1 M 2-propanol as an H-atom scavenger.