Depolarization of negative muons in condensed molecular media

A correlation is established between the residual polarization of negative muons in matter and the radiative stability of the matter. It is shown that the correlation observed can be satisfactorily explained by a formal theory based on the concept of rapid reactions between meso-radicals and the environment. The rates of participation of the meso-radicals in chemical reactions in various types of hydrocarbons are determined. The asymmetry coefficients for mu --decay electrons in aqueous solutions of hydrogen peroxide of various concentrations at room temperaiure are measured by the precession technique. The a symmetry coefficient for a peroxide solution with a concentration of 97 wt.% at a temperature of 80 deg K is measured. The rates of chemical reactions involving meso-nitrogen are determined. It is shown that the activation energy of the chemical reaction between mesic nitrogen /sub nu /N and hydrogen peroxide molecules must be taken into account. The depolarization temperature dependence is measured for a number of organic compounds. (auth)