Pulse radiolysis study of 2-Mercapto-benzothiazole-a corrosion inhibitor

Pulse radiolysis of 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole (2-MBT) has been undertaken in aqueous solution. The semi-oxidized species formed at pH 4.5 due to the reaction of OH^•, Br₂ ^•− and N₃ ^• and at pH 10.5 with OH^• yielded a spectrum with λ_max = 348 and 595 nm. These semi-oxidized species were able to oxidize phenothiazine drugs (E^o⋟0.8 V). Reducing species such as e_aq ⁻, CO₂ ^•− and H^• atoms react with 2-MBT resulting in the formation of a transient having λ_max = 350 nm and reducing in nature. Kinetic and spectroscopic data of interest are reported.