The influence of β particles on the crystallization of sodium-ammonium tartrate

In order to check a recently suggested interaction between high energy electrons from radioactive β-decay and organic molecules dissolved in water, crystallization of D,L-sodium-ammonium tartrate was studied in the presence of 32P. The results substantiate the existence of such an interaction. Irradiated samples yielded more crystalline material than controls, the relative difference was 20.5%. The possible interference of contaminations as well as the relation of these findings to the role of radioactive β-decay in chemical evolution is discussed. (author)