Degradation Products of gamma-Irradiated Solid Carbohydrates Obtained after Dissolution in Water

It is shown by paper chromatographic analysis that a number of substances are formed when γ-irradiated solid carbohydrates are dissolved in water. CO2 is formed from alpha -D-glucose with a G-value of 2.5, while D-fructose and sucrose gave no CO2. The production of acidic groups of different carbohydrates showed a wide range of G-values, e.g., 1.0 for sucrose and 48 for lactose. H2O.