REACTIONS OF 2.8-EV TRITIUM ATOMS WITH METHANE

Tritium atoms with 2.8-eV kinetic energy have been formed by 1849-Å photolysis of TBr, and have been reacted with CH4 in the presence of Br2. In addition to HT from the abstraction reaction known in thermal systems, the direct substitution of T for H to form CH3T has been observed. The ratio of HT/CH3T is 3.6 to 4.0 in low Br2 mole fraction. In Br2 mole fractions exceeding 0.5, this ratio is reduced to 3.0, and the absolute yields of both HT and CH3T are greatly reduced. The formation of HT and CH3T from hot reactions of T with CH4 competes with the hot reaction of T with Br2 to form TBr.