Pulse radiolysis of N-vinyl pyrrolidone

The pulse radiolysis of n-vinyl pyrrolidone and poly-vinyl pyrrolidone in aqueous solution was investigated. Absorption spectra obtained with the monomer, in solutions saturated with nitrous oxide, are characterised by peaks at 260-280 nm and 350 nm. The relative intensity of the two absorption peaks varies with vinyl pyrrolidone concentration. With the polymer, and other pyrrolidone derivatives, absorption maxima are obtained at 235 nm and 350-450 nm. Intermediate species in general disappear by second order kinetics and the rate constants of these reactions have been estimated. Further kinetic data has been obtained using competition kinetic studies with potassium thiocyanate. (author)