Decay synthesis of multitritiated compounds using CT4 as a natural generator of CT3+ cations

A report is given on a new synthetic approach to the preparation of multitritiated compounds, in particular those containing the -CT3 group, based on the spontaneous β- decay of CT4, which makes the compound a natural generator of fully tritiated methyl cations. The method is illustrated by the preparation of tritiated methanol, ethyl bromide, and methyl bromide. (U.S.)