Other types of linkages are also being explored. We have also been studying the potential of high-energy radiation treatment as a method for dehalogenating organic compounds present at trace levels in water. Most of the relevant chemistry is known, but we have been able to provide specifics on scope and limitations. When this is not the case, radical intermediates react with substrate molecules to give higher molecular weight products. The hydrodehalogenation is more efficient when detergent molecules are present, particularly at concentrations above the critical micelle concentration.
Cationic detergents are more effective than anionic ones.
With certain higher molecular weight aryl halides, radical anion intermediates are protonated faster than they lose halide.