Radiation-induced degradation of alkane molecules in solid rare gas matrices

The radiation-induced degradation of heptane molecules in solid argon and xenon matrices at 15 K was studied using low-temperature IR spectroscopy. The total radiation-chemical yield of the destruction of heptane molecules in argon (mole ratio 500:1) was estimated to be 1.4 molecule per 100 eV. Methane, vinyl- and trans-vinylene-type olefins, and allyl-type radicals were identified among the main radiolysis products in both matrices. The C-C bond rupture favoured in argon is probably due to formation of excited heptane cations in the hole transfer in this matrix. An indication of the radical cation trapping was obtained in a xenon matrix containing an electron scavenger (Freon-113). The mechanism of the radiation-induced degradation of alkane molecules and the fate of the primary cations in rigid inert media are discussed. (Author)