Radiolysis of aqueous 2,2,2-tribromoethanol solutions

Hydrogen bromide, glycolic acid, and carbon dioxide have been identified as products of the γ-radiolysis of aqueous 2,2,2-tribromoethanol solutions. The effect of oxygen, tribromoethanol concentration, and dose rate upon the yields of bromide ion and acid have been determined, and partial radiolysis mechanisms are proposed for reaction in the presence and absence of oxygen. Dibromoacetaldehyde, reported to be a product of the photochemical decomposition of tribromoethanol solutions, was not detected in the radiolysis experiments or in tribromoethanol solutions exposed to sunlight.