Promotion by SF6 of a Radiolytically Induced Chain Reaction for the Geometrical Isomerization of cis or trans-Butene-2 in Dilute Gaseous Mixtures
FOR several years SF6 has been used in radiolytic studies because of its high cross-section for capture of low-energy electrons and consequent effect on observable products resulting from positive-ion neutralization reactions. A reduced yield of H2 from irradiated propane has been reported1 and attributed to electron scavenging by the small proportions of SF6 present. On the other hand, SF6 does not affect the H2 yield from irradiated liquid unsaturates such as trans-butene-2 (ref. 2), indicating that ionic species may not be important with respect to H2 formation from these olefines.
Nitrous Oxide as a Scavenger for Electrons in the Radiolysis of Propane
RECENT investigations of the radiation chemistry of liquid hydrocarbons indicate that in these systems N2O reacts rapidly with electrons but relatively slowly with hydrogen atoms1. We have investigated the effect of N2O in the radiolysis of propane gas and the results obtained have led to information about the mechanism of hydrogen formation.
Dating of Historical Manuscripts Using Spectrometric Methods: A Mini-Review
An overview is provided of spectrometric methods useful for age estimation of historical manuscripts (medieval ones in particular), in order to confirm their authenticity. Individual methods (infrared and Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, atomic emission spectroscopy, X-ray spectroscopy, and electron scanning microscopy) are discussed and examples of their application described. The following general strategy can be recommended for dating and/or authenticating of historical manuscripts. First of all, the pigment analysis should be carried out using Raman spectroscopy (distinguishing the period and modern pigments), followed by PIXE ink analysis (solving the question of ink homogeneity). Finally, the radiocarbon dating of the writing support, potentially supplemented by the ink dating using scanning Auger microscopy should be performed.