The controlled chain oxidation of n-hexane induced by Co-60 radiation

The reaction between n-hexane and oxygen has been studied at 3.4 atm. total initial pressure and at 2/1 mole ratio of hydrocarbon to oxygen. This system was studied thermally and in the presence of 105 and 106 rad./hr. intensity Co-60 radiation in static experiments. In the temperature range of 150-235 degrees, nuclear radiation initiates a controlled oxidation chain reaction with integral G values of 101 to 2 X 104 molecules of n-hexane converted per 100 ev. The products are mainly oxygenated hydrocarbons-epoxides, acetone, methanol. Above 235 degrees, the reaction gives mainly degradation products, CO and CO2, and the thermal reaction is so rapid that the acceleration due to radiation is not noticeable in static experiments. This controlled chain oxidation made possible by radiation initiation is affected by temperature, pressure and radiation intensity. Although little can be said about its mechanism. it is of intrinsic interest because it offers a technique for exploring hydrocarbon chain oxidations at conditions where the reaction is not initiated thermally.