Reactions of iodine atoms activated by L shell photoelectric ionization in liquid benzene

Solutions of I₂ in C₆H₆ were irradiated with X-rays, in the energy range from 4.6 to 8.0 keV, thus including the characteristic X-ray of Cr /5.412 keV/, just above the L-absorption edge for iodine /5.118 keV/. Yield of iodobenzene and the organic yield of iodine were investigated as a function of I₂ concentration and of the absorbed radiation dose. It is found that the formation of iodobenzene, which was the only product detected, is due to the Auger activation of iodine atoms, and not to the radiolytic decomposition of benzene molecules from direct interaction of X-rays.