The Interaction of Cinnamic Acids with 60 Co Gamma Radiation

In the interest of expanding our knowledge of the interaction of cinnamic acid and its derivatives with ionizing radiation, (E)-cinnamic acid and several of its chlorinated and brominated derivatives were exposed to Co-60 gamma radiation. Dimer yields were estimated from integration of the proton NMR signals of the irradiated material. (E)-Cinnamic acid itself is relatively unreactive. The largest yield of dimer was obtained with p-bromocinnamic acid where exposure to a dose of 116 megarads led to a 24% yield.