Gamma Initiated Iodination of Methane

Abstract

<p> The use of gamma radiation to initiate the iodination of methane in liquid phase was studied using a semi-batch technique whereby the methane was bubbling through a column of iodine solution in a reactor. Yields of CH3I and CH2I2 lower than 10% and G < 500 were obtained as contrasted with the 60% yield and G=7xl0^7 reported in the gas-phase reaction. In view of the propensity of the iodine as a radical scavenger and the endothermic nature of the reaction, various attempts to improve the low yields were carried out. Results are eiven that indicate the chances of achieving a laree G value for liquid-phase reaction are very low even if the operating conditions are optimized. </p>