Untersuchungen an eingefrorenen, reaktionsfähigen Substanzen

Abstract

Low temperature free radical studies are at present interesting from three points of view:

1) Chemistry of the interstellar space.
2) Preparation and conservation of high energy fuels for rocket propulsion.
3) General chemistry of molecular systems of a small number of atoms which are highly reactive and unsaturated.

After a brief survey of these three sides of the problem some results of pertinent studies from our laboratory are discussed. From a beam of S₂ molecules it is possible to condense films at low temperatures which still contain a small amount of S₂ which is identified by an infrared induced transition. With the help of this observation one can study the range of stability and the rate of transformation of S₂ containing sulphur films. An outlook towards the general methods of production, stabilization and use of free radicals terminates this exposé.