Effect of halates of the radiolysis of phosphite in aqueous solution

Radiation-induced catalysis of the reaction 3 P(III) + X(V) -> 3 P(V) + X-, whereX(V) and X- stand for halate and halide, is studied in neutral aqueous solution as a function of reactant concentration and absorbed dose. The trend has been to lead to higher G-values for the products of radiolysis of redox mixtures compared to the radiolysis of single components. For example, the increase of G(-P(III)) is from 4.4 to 11.7 and G(X-) is from 0.3 to 4.3 in a redox mixture which is 9.2 mM in P(III) and 200 mM in IO3-. In a broad range, G(-P(III)) = 3G(X-). A mechanism consistent with the observed results is proposed. (orig.)