Abstract:
Nonpolar hydrocarbons which vitrify at a low temperature constitute a 'classic' model system for the investigation of the characteristic features of the radiolysis of nonpolar organic compounds. Considerable experimental data have now accumulated for hydrocarbon glasses, which permit in many instances quantitative assessments of the applicability of various theories. 3-Methylpentane occupies a special place among these substances. Attention is concentrated mainly in this review on the recombination, polarisation, and separation of the electron-ion pairs generated by ionising radiation. The bibliography includes 163 references.