Solvent effect on the products of γ-irradiation of hydroxyimides and hydroxybenzotriazole

Hydroxyphthalimide, hydroxysuccinimide, and hydroxybenzotriazole were irradiated in methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, and acetonitrile. All the hydroxy compounds, R-NOH, changed to R-NH in acetonitrile, though hydroxyphthalimide in methanol and hydroxysuccinimide in the alcohol solutions were not decomposed. The decomposition of R-NOH is caused by electron attachment. It seems that the strong hydrogen bonding between the solvent alcohol and the solute prevent the electron attachment to hydroxysuccinimide. The molecular structure of the hydroxy compounds will affect the extent of the hydrogen bonding.