Radiolysis of pyrimidines in aqueous solutions

Product yields in the reaction of e–aq, ·H, ·OH and Cl–˙2 with uracil and uracil– have been determined quantitatively in 60Co γ-irradiated aqueous uracil solutions in the presence of suitable scavengers. Good material balances between G(–uracil) and G(total products) have been obtained in all cases. The products determined were: uracil dimer, alloxan, alloxantin, uracil cis-glycol, uracil trans–glycol, dialuric acid, isobarbituric acid, 5-hydroxydihydrouracil, 6-hydroxydihydrouracil, dihydrouracil, formylurea, 5-hydroxyhydantoin, parabanic acid, urea and alcohol adducts. Based on the yields of these products and the available literature, mechanisms are proposed and discussed.