RADIATION-CHEMISTRY OF TETRAMETHYLGERMANE

A study of the Co-60 gamma-irradiation of tetramethylgermane is reported. The major products are identified and their yields given. Both carbon-hydrogen and carbon-germanium bond scission occur. Hydrogen and methane are the major gaseous products. Ethyltrimethylgermane, hexamethyldigermane, bis(trimethylgermyl)methane and bis(trimethylgermyl)ethane are the major heavier products. The total yield of products indicates that the yield of disappearance of tetramethylgermane, G[-Ge(CH3)4], is 10.2 molecules per 100 eV absorbed. An (unidentified) product is formed which captures electrons.