Pulse radiolysis of pyridinecarboxylic acids in aqueous solution

The reactivity of OH, e(aq)- and H radicals towards aqueous carboxypyridines: picolinic acid (2-pyridinecarboxylic acid), PA; isonicotinic acid (4-pyridinecarboxylic acid), i-NA; 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid, 2,6-PDCA; and 3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid, 3,5-PDCA was investigated in the pH-range 1-13.8. The absorption spectra of the OH-adducts, H-adducts and pyridinyl radicals are given as well as the formation and decay kinetics. In acid (but not in alkaline) solution, the reaction of H-atoms leads to the formation of two distinct products, namely H-adduct and pyridinyl radicals. The yields of pyridinyl radical are: 20% for PA, 75% for i-NA, 60% for 2,6-PDCA and 25% for 3,5-PDCA (a yield of 50% has been found earlier for nicotinic acid, NA).