The autoradiolytic and the gamma-induced demethylation of solid thymine-(methyl-14C)

The autoradiolytic and the gamma-induced demethylation of solid thymine were measured qualitatively and quantitatively for the first time with specially purified thymine-(methyl-14C). Analogous experiments with thymine-(methyl-3H) and radio-gaschromatographic analysis provided proof for the formation of molecular hydrogen and methane. Ethane was not detected. The results are discussed in connection with e.s.r.-spectroscopic studies.