Radiolysis of KCN aqueous solution in the presesnce of solid catalysts

γ-radiolysis of KCN aqueous solution contained clay and pd-black has been studied. The product spectrum and the main product yields have also been determined by paper chromatography. A small amounts of clay (0.2 g/5 ml) can lightly increase the yields of amino acids, but a large quantities of clay (2.7 g/5 ml) can inhibit the formation of amino acids. Some solids (such as clay, pd-black) can catalytically polymerize CN- ion to form polymers which produce some amino acids on hydrolysis. There exist some evidence about peptide or quasi-peptide substances in the clay-containing samples. The samples show positive reaction to Folin-Phenol reagent and amino acids are formed on hydrolysis