Radiolysis experiments have been carried out on a series of highly purified cyclic fluorocarbons-hexafluorobenzene, perfluorobiphenyl, and perfluoronaphthalene, and their saturated analogs perfluorocyclohexane, perfluorobicyclohexyl, and perfluorodecalin (perfluorodecahydronaphthalene). Irradiations were done in nickel cells using a 1.5-Mev. Van de Graaff electron beam. Temperatures were chosen so that materials were irradiated in the liquid phase and were room temperature where possible, otherwise around 100°. Radiation doses were of the order of 109 rads. Radiation stability of the aromatic compounds is less than that of the corresponding hydrocarbons, whereas the alicyclic fluorocarbons are more stable than their hydrocarbon analogs. Total G values for destruction of starting material range from 1.3 to 2.4 and are very similar for aromatic and alicyclic compounds. The aromatic fluorocarbons under irradiation yield polymeric material almost exclusively. Only traces of gaseous and low molecular weight compounds are formed. Polymeric material is colored yellow to dark brown depending on the dose. Radiolysis of the alicyclic fluorocarbons causes appreciable breakdown into gases and products of lower molecular weight than the starting material, as well as polymer formation. Polymeric material is colorless. No free fluorine has been detected in any of the irradiations.
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