Monte Carlo calculations of free ammonia production in deoxygenated solutions of glycylglycine irradiated by X rays and 60Co gamma rays.

Detailed-history Monte Carlo computer codes were used to simulate the formation, diffusion, and chemical reaction of free-radical species within deoxygenated aqueous solutions of glycylglycine irradiated by 250-kVp X rays and by 60Co gamma rays. In one reaction, hydrated electrons react with the glycylglycine solute to produce unbound, or free, ammonia. This reaction is complete by 10(-6) s within individual electron tracks for glycylglycine concentrations greater than or equal to 0.025 M. For solute concentrations from 0.025 to 1.2 M, calculated G values of free ammonia are in excellent agreement with measured values. In addition, the computer model predicts a statistically significant difference between the G value of free ammonia produced under X irradiation and that produced under 60Co gamma irradiation.