Effect of γ-radiation on the cobalt carbonyl catalyzed isomerization of octenes

Abstract The Co 2 (CO) g catalyzed double bond migration is promoted by γ-radiation from a Co-60 source. A non-sequential isomerisation and a similar product distribution are observed in both purely thermal- and radiation-induced experiments. The radiation seems to increase the formation of the active catalyst species (Co 2 (CO) 7 or ·CO(CO) 4 ) without affecting the pathway of the isomerization.