Infrared spectroscopy of radiation-chemical transformation of n-hexane on a beryllium surface

The radiation-chemical decomposition of n-hexane in a Be–n-hexane system under the effect of γ-irradiation at room temperature is studied by infrared reflection–absorption spectroscopy. In the absorbed dose range 5 kGy ≤ Ф_γ ≤ 50 kGy, intermediate surface products of radiation-heterogeneous decomposition of n-hexane (beryllium alkyls, π-olefin complexes, and beryllium hydrides) are detected. It is shown that complete radiolysis occurs at Ф_γ = 30 kGy; below this dose, decomposition of n-hexane occurs only partially, while higher doses lead to steady-state saturation. The radiation-chemical yield of the final decomposition product—molecular hydrogen—is determined to be G _ads(H₂) = 24.8 molecules/100 eV. A possible mechanism of this process is discussed.