THE RADIATION-INDUCED DEGRADATION OF A DIAZO DYE IN AQUEOUS-SOLUTION .2.

The effect of gamma-radiation on the color intensity of aerated, deaerated and oxygenated aqueous solutions of a diazo dye (Helion Red 8B) has been investigated. The decoloration yields of Helion Red 8B neutral aqueous solution, G(-Dye), for the nitrogen-, oxygen- and aerated-saturated solutions were found to be 0.77, 0.46 and 0.36 in the respective early stage. The rate constant for the reaction of the OH radical with the HR8B dye, obtained from competition kinetics using ethanol, was found to be 1.3 . 10(10) M-1 - s-1. In aerated solutions (pH 3), the G(-Dye) decreased markedly upon the addition of a very small amount of ethanol. Suggestions are made for possible use of the dye as a radiation dosimeter in the dose range of 0.1 to 2 kGy.