Reduction of CCl₄ by iron powder in aqueous solution

^.CCl3 radicals formed in the first step of the CCl₄ degradation react with iron powder to form an intermediate with an Fe-C σ bond. In the absence of iron powder, ^.CCl₃ radicals formed by γ-irradiation react with 2-propanol in a chain reaction toward dechlorination. When the irradiated solution contains iron powder, the iron scavenges the ^.CCl₃ radicals, thus inhibiting the chain reaction. The minor product of the dechlorination of CCl₄ by iron powder in aqueous solution is CH₄, contrary to the results reported in the literature for the electrochemical reduction of CCl₄ on iron electrodes.